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Shoe Dog cover art

Shoe Dog

Written by: Phil Knight
Narrated by: Norbert Leo Butz,Phil Knight - introduction
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Publisher's Summary

In this candid and riveting memoir, for the first time ever, Nike founder and CEO Phil Knight shares the inside story of the company's early days as an intrepid start-up and its evolution into one of the world's most iconic, game-changing, and profitable brands.

In 1962, fresh out of business school, Phil Knight borrowed fifty dollars from his father and created a company with a simple mission: import high-quality, low-cost athletic shoes from Japan. Selling the shoes from the trunk of his lime-green Plymouth Valiant, Knight grossed $8,000 his first year. Today, Nike's annual sales top $30 billion. In an age of start-ups, Nike is the ne plus ultra of all start-ups, and the swoosh has become a revolutionary, globe-spanning icon, one of the most ubiquitous and recognizable symbols in the world today.

But Knight, the man behind the swoosh, has always remained a mystery. Now, for the first time, in a memoir that is candid, humble, gutsy, and wry, he tells his story, beginning with his crossroads moment. At 24, after backpacking around the world, he decided to take the unconventional path to start his own business - a business that would be dynamic, different.

Knight details the many risks and daunting setbacks that stood between him and his dream - along with his early triumphs. Above all, he recalls the formative relationships with his first partners and employees, a ragtag group of misfits and seekers who became a tight-knit band of brothers. Together, harnessing the transcendent power of a shared mission and a deep belief in the spirit of sport, they built a brand that changed everything.

©2016 Phil Knight. All rights reserved. (P)2016 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

What the critics say

"Narrator Norbert Leo Butz...infuses his delivery with drama and suspense, keeping the listener engaged with each chapter. Knight claims to be a shy introvert, but Butz isn't fooled, portraying the chairman as a straight-shooting, no-nonsense leader who keeps winning because he's relentless in his pursuit of success...." (AudioFile)

What listeners say about Shoe Dog

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Better Than Expected

I purchased this book mostly because I have heard all the Phil Knight stories in the media and decided what’s “his” story. I am pleased to say this book was not only entertaining and informative, it was insightful. It really is an amazing tale. Now...if only there was the sequel from 1980 to now!

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Amazing Book!

Amazing book! Very inspiring and easy to follow.
It really dives into the struggles of enterprenerialship and the never give up attitude.

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such a great story, I had no idea!!

so much I learned about the beginnings of Nike! loved listening and would highly recommend!

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Exceptional!

What an incredible journey into the founding of Nike...the ups and downs...the risks he and his colleagues took. Inspiring. Motivating. Thank you Phil Knight.

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A very authentic billionaires account of how he created a company.

He has a very interesting and insightful perspective on life, work and success. His travels are also interesting.

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Incredible story telling

That swoosh was a disruptor of an industry that changed athletic wear forever. I am a devote Nike lover, no doubt. But the trials to become what it has become is inspirational. I will never look at the brand the same.

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Awesome!

A whirlwind of success and survival by the sheer energy and goodwill of the employees. Great performance, exciting story that also has business teachings and life wisdom. Only complaint was that some of the timeline was quite condensed.

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  • 2023-11-25

Just Amazing!

Must Reads for anyone & everyone. Nike and Phil Knight's journey from humble roots to the very top is jaw dropping awesome!

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best book ever

I love this book, it shows all the hard work and faith you have to put into something to succeed. this book was not to long, got straight to the point and gave life changing inspirational quotes.

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Perfect

This story is amazing, beautiful, touching and I truly feel it is a masterpiece! I recommand it!

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