AI startup Cursor has a no-shoes office policy. They're not the sole company doing it.

In a surprising twist to traditional office culture, barefoot work environments are gaining traction in the startup scene. Ben Lang, an employee at the coding tool startup Cursor, recently shared images on social media showcasing a casual atmosphere inside their San Francisco office, where shoes were notably absent. With a valuation of $9.9 billion, Cursor is not alone in this trend. Lang's posts sparked curiosity about the prevalence of no-shoes policies across startups. He went on to compile a list of 25 companies adopting similar practices, reflecting a growing movement among tech firms. Kyle Sherman, founder of Flowhub, a cannabis software enterprise in Denver, humorously noted, "We are no shoes and no pants culture," adding that shorts are mandatory. The no-shoes approach has been embraced by various companies, including Speak, a language learning app founded by Andrew Hsu. Hsu confirmed that their no-shoes policy has been in place for years and even provides new employees with a slipper stipend. This practice pays homage to traditional Asian customs, where removing shoes indoors is common. While some individuals express concerns about hygiene and odors in these shoe-free environments, others view it as a unique perk. To address potential worries, Lang assured followers that shoe covers and slippers are available at the entrance. The CEO of Cursor, Michael Truell, and other representatives have not yet commented on this burgeoning trend. The no-shoes policy isn't entirely new to Silicon Valley. A report from 2019 highlighted its emergence as a part of the tech culture, alongside casual attire like hoodies and jeans. The shift to remote work during the pandemic likely contributed to the normalization of going shoeless. Recent surveys indicate that a significant portion of Americans—63%—prefer to go without shoes in their homes. As more companies initiate return-to-office policies, it remains to be seen whether this trend will persist or evolve.