Shoe Dog cover art

Shoe Dog

A Memoir by the Creator of Nike

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Shoe Dog

By: Phil Knight
Narrated by: Norbert Leo Butz, Phil Knight - introduction
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About this listen

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.
Business Inspiring Business Biography

Editorial reviews

Nike is a brand synonymous with the world of athletics: our heroes have triumphed with that familiar swoosh across their chest and we’ve laced up our own Nike sneakers for a jog around the neighbourhood or a pick-up game in the park. But who is the man behind the brand?

In this engaging audiobook, Nike founder and CEO Phil Knight shares the incredible story of how he went from a 24-year-old guy selling imported shoes from the trunk of his car to creating a global empire. Two-time Tony Award-winning actor Norbert Leo Butz narrates and enhances the drama of this listen, which follows the forefather of all startups through each setback and win.

Critic Reviews

"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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Didn’t want this to end...

Absolutely loved this. Didn’t want it to end. Stunning example of integrity , passion , pursuing your dream, never giving up , humbleness and staying true to yourself . Absolute Nike loyal customer for ever 👌My audible pick of 2020 ✅✅✅✅

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2 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars

Good narrative structure suited to audiobook

The book is structured year-by-year taking you through from the early days of the idea for Blue Ribbon Sports to distribute Onitsuka Tiger running shoes through to the public float of Nike. The narrator is quite good and the story has a strong linear narrative that works well in audiobook format. For people who are not into business books the going may get a tough, but people interested in business, running their own business, or who are interested in the history of Nike you will get a lot out of it. Doesn't have much to add the story after 1982 or thereabouts - there is a long period of most recent history that is wrapped up relatively quickly in a summary chapter.

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I appreciate Nike more after this book.

Unbelievable book on how Nike grew to what it is today. I appreciate Nike more as a company then ever before. I will be re-reading this again

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Funny, inspiring, and superb narration

This has to be one of the best stories ever told. It's surprisingly very funny and the narrator brings the story to life.

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Not just a history, but a story

Loved it. An interesting story of the history and foundation of Nike. A story that gives heart and soul to a company I previously would have thought of as only as a lifeless behemoth. Like all good stories, I didn't want it to end.

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Quite inspring

Very enjoyable and easy to follow. Some parts might be a bit lame but I really enjoyed the narrative, interesting and inspiring at times.

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Great

2nd time reading (listening)
I found it truly interesting.....understanding the background and process of how Knights empire was built. well worth it

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I didn't want it to end.

easily one of the best books I've ever heard. it got me so invested and an incredible story.

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One of the best reads you ll ever read!

The audible version makes you feel like you were there with Phil along for his journey!

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Exceptional story of an iconic brands in the world

Shoe Dog takes us into the life and journey if Phil Knight, as he assemble his team to create Nike. A fascinating story, loaded with life and entreprenuerial lessons. Solid!

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