Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike

Written by:
Phil Knight
Narrated by:
Norbert Leo Butz

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
1056
Narrator
122
Release Date
April 2016
Duration
13 hours 21 minutes
Summary
In this instant and tenacious New York Times bestseller, Nike founder and board chairman Phil Knight “offers a rare and revealing look at the notoriously media-shy man behind the swoosh” (Booklist, starred review), illuminating his 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.

Bill Gates named Shoe Dog one of his five favorite books of the year and called it “an amazing tale, a refreshingly honest reminder of what the path to business success really looks like. It’s a messy, perilous, and chaotic journey, riddled with mistakes, endless struggles, and sacrifice. Phil Knight opens up in ways few CEOs are willing to do.”

Fresh out of business school, Phil Knight borrowed fifty dollars from his father and launched a company with one simple mission: import high-quality, low-cost running shoes from Japan. Selling the shoes from the trunk of his car in 1963, Knight grossed eight thousand dollars that first year. Today, Nike’s annual sales top $30 billion. In this age of start-ups, Knight’s Nike is the gold standard, and its swoosh is one of the few icons instantly recognized in every corner of the world.

But Knight, the man behind the swoosh, has always been a mystery. In Shoe Dog, he tells his story at last. At twenty-four, Knight decides that rather than work for a big corporation, he will create something all his own, new, dynamic, different. He details the many risks he encountered, the crushing setbacks, the ruthless competitors and hostile bankers—as well as his many thrilling triumphs. Above all, he recalls the relationships that formed the heart and soul of Nike, with his former track coach, the irascible and charismatic Bill Bowerman, and with his first employees, a ragtag group of misfits and savants who quickly became a band of swoosh-crazed brothers.

Together, harnessing the electrifying power of a bold vision and a shared belief in the transformative power of sports, they created a brand—and a culture—that changed everything.
Reviews
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Mindaugas Sujeta

Great story, I could not stop listening. I enjoyed the story and the narrator.

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Kyle Mauch

Incredible story and a must read for any entrepreneur. Loved the narrator too. Thank you Phil!

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Santos C.

The narration complemented the story

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Wim K

Great review of the creation of a global power brand

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Anonymous

Very well written, very interesting and well read

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Martin T.

I have been thinking about listening to this book for a while now, and was it ever worth the wait! Once I started, there was no stopping and I now have to wait two weeks for my next book. Superb narration by Norbert Leo Butz!

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Thabo M.

Super Book. This is how a story needs to be told.

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Joseph H.

how do you spell humorous look at the start of a great company. I was entertained from beginning to end

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Greg J.

Really insightful story, easy to listen to and some things to take away with you.

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Felicia M.

Love, love this, one of my favorite books.

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Kevin L.

I really enjoyed listening to this! Interesting insight to a global brand! I’d have love to hear a bit more about the stars he worked with!

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Federico S.

il. Best audiobook and performance I’ve ever listened to.

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Thomas K.

I aways listen while Im working. I’ve listened to thousands of hours of random content. Ive never sat down and only listened. This book made me do that. The narrator makes you feel as if your going on the journey with Phil. Best audiobook and performance I’ve ever listened to.

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Kumaran M.

An unbelievable memoir. I still remember buying my first Nike shoe. I was in grade 7 and had saved up money from a holiday job. A green and white Nike Air ace. It was slightly big for me but it was the only Nike in the store that I could afford. But I didn’t care, I owned a Nike. As an adult whose starting of my own business, hearing the preseverance and commitment that Phil Knight showed in his business made me realize that all good things take time. I am deeply grateful for all the Oregon guys efforts in changing the world. As an adult who enjoys going for runs to clear my head, I feel privileged to own and use an incredible product and be part of the lifestyle. Thank you Phil Knight. The narrator did a great job and made listening a pleasure. An absolutely brilliant audiobook.

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Robert P.

Great book and narration!

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Allen F.

Loved this book and one of my favorites !

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Silke K.

Incredibly well written and well narrated. I have not enjoyed a book so much in a long time. Very interesting.

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LaToya M

great book many should read it i listen to the exmpales and read about the book and it feels like i can relate to the story

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Kailum H

Great book, great narration also

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Ronald S

Great book and narration!

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Demetri S

Fantastic read, really enjoyable. Related his early days as a struggling business man and related to it in my own business. Given me motivation to change things after 13 years.

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Tyler S

Great book, Narrator capture the emotion really good

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Balamurugan T

Fantastic book, after finished hearing, I have to read it now.

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Paolo R

Fantastic from start to finish, compelling story even if you're not into books about business.

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Lenford T

Amazing book

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Paul J

Fantastic, a must if you like business and sports. Great to hear about the NIKE journey!

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Shannon G

Great Book all around!

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Jordan G

It was a moving piece! My one wish is the next book can follow up like this one!

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Joshua F

I thought the book was interesting but on the dull side. Narrator did a great job.

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Anonymous

It was good

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Mike H.

I have never purchased a Nike item in my life because of the controversy surrounding production methods in China and more. HOWEVER, I was so, so impressed by this book and the incredible story within it. And oh my, I would highly encourage folks to LISTEN to this book versus reading the book because the reader does a wonderful job. Anyone in small business or large, or really, anyone in life should read this book. Highly recommend it.

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Anonymous

Good story

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Samantha N.

Insightful read into how billionaire empires are built, enjoyed the structure and learnt lots of business tips for upcoming entrepreneurs!

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Rafael E.

Great book! As an entrepreneur I've faced similar challenges (in a waaay smaller scale) so it was so inspiring to learn how Nike turned this big challenges into great opportunities!

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Ignacio R.

Amazing and inspiring!

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Kathy D.

Very honest and informative!

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Anonymous

Excellent book. Inspiring!

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Razvan Gligor

Great audiobook, great journey taken by Phil Knight.

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Vinit A.

Very inspiring. Success demands sacrifices, discipline & grit. A must read for all students and entrepreneurs. The narration is very apt and convey the author’s spirit.

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Charity M.

This book is amazing,I had read the book but couldn’t help but listen to the audio book as well.

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Anonymous

I like the book I like the reader

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Anonymous

Phenomenal Book!! A triumphant story about what an Idea can turn into. All the obstacles to overcome, critical decisions good and bad. A wonderful listen! Highly Recommend!!

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Anonymous

A good read.

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Tim M.

An amazing book chronicling the rise of Phil Knight his lieutenants and Nike.

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Anonymous

Great book!

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Itzik Z.

I think this book should be mandatory reading, I do wish the author continued later then 1980

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David M.

If you have visions of being an entrepreneur or leader do yourself a favor in reading Shoe Dog.

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Todor P.

Страхотна книга, не усетих за колко време я изслушах. Препоръчвам.

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Anonymous

Great book. One of the greatest narrators in the history of narration.

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Mignon S.

I’m not into sport or the brand ‘Nike’ by any means, but this story was riveting. The description of how Phil Knight began in the 60’s is fascinating... his passion and tenacity is inspiring. He also confronts what he sees as downfalls, shyness and reserve. Very interesting coming from such a success story. The narration is exemplary.

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David H.

I had put of reading this book for so long, brush over it as I looked for something that would keep me interested. Finally taking the plunge, I couldn’t put it down. The best book I have ever read! A true inspiration!

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Anonymous

An inspiring & gripping story of nike. It is very well narrated and a must read book

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Diana L.

Great, inspiring

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Anonymous

Great story and great narration.

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Franklin chicas

A true underdog story!

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Doyla

A great book. I’m a small business owner and found this very helpful while one travels thru the develop times of ownership. Great read for anyone that is involved with entrepreneurship.

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Michael D

Shoe Dog is an excellent book and the narrator did an excellent reading of it. (Don Draper style voice and cadence) I liked the separation of the chapters by years for historical value. Also, the candor of the author to share moments and decisions that shaped his failures and successes. Best of all, I liked the unfolding of the story of Phil Knight (with the humorous comments included) as a person that had a crazy idea and would not give up on it. I highly recommend Shoe Dog.

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Lyndon W

Amazing, just listen, phenomenol account of a will to succeed

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Benjamin A

One of the best autobiographies I have ever read! This book made me laugh, cry, anxious, angry, hope, and then joyful!

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Susan M

Enjoyable read. It does not disappoint. I thought the narrator was great.

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Dianna DeMaglio

this is an amazing book! great outlook on a great company!

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paul casey

I listened to the book driving from Indiana to Charlotte for my daughters dive Meet. Narration was very good. There was one section I thought he may have a cold. I thought that added to the fun. As far as the book goes, I thought it interesting how a group of misfits could form a Fortune 500 company. I'm not sure if the book was edited that way or that's really how it went down. It was us vs the world type of narration and I felt myself cheering for the company to succeed.

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Chris Salazar

I love this book. I hate the fact I have only one hour left!

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Paul Dingwitz

Great book. Such an inspiring book. So many challenges overcome. Amazing how things turned out the way they did.

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Jerrod Clancy

Great easy listen about such an iconic company and brand!

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Saumya Raj

An easy and light listen. Not super insightful but pleasant nonetheless.

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Logan Paolini

One of the best business memoirs available. It is such a great read!

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Jared Valdez

One of the best books I've read. Hands down.

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juan rodriguez

Banged out in 2 days. Great story, everyone should get this book

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michael cook

Shoe Dog by Phil Night is the best. I have read or listened to 200 books in the last 6 years. Plus the narrator is exceptional. This is my first review. Congrats! Phil, do another.

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Michael Murphy

This is my new favorite book, I didn't want to finish it because it was so good.

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Derk Albada Jelgersma

What an absolutely fantastic and inspiring story! It was well narrated and with had an emotional and constructive finish! Well done!!

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Moudhi Almarri

I'm inspired and beyond proud

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Jackie Vance

Excellent listen, oh to be so inspired! Liked the narrators voice

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Clifton Johnson Jr.

This book is beyond inspiring and couldn't put this book down. Highly recommend for anyone especially for those pursuing a dream and small business owners.

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Naga Bala Krishnan A

The book is so inspiring and fresh. Phil has done a great job on telling us the events that made NIKE today. So much to endure, lies, deceit, trust, friendship, it's an emotional roller coaster as well. With passion and sheer determination the man had overcome all the shorts. It's a must buy for anyone. Oh and the narrative is brilliant. 5/5 I would say. Norbert Leo Butz in this whole book never once bored me. He seemed to understand the Buck in the book, his reactions were true to the theme or crux of the story every single part. Athena Nike, God of victory. Here I come searching for my journey. Adios.

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Matthew Farrar

Inspirational, exciting possibly life changing. A business book discussed as epic tale.

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Raymond Connelly

Loved it. There is hope knowing that a regular guy, from a humble start and a can-do attitude, can achieve success.

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Karen Jacobson

Excellent read! Fascinating story of the creation of the Nike brand and culture- the troubles, successes, personalities and tragedies along the way. It's humorous, intelligent and a piece of history. The narrator is perfect and enjoyable to listen to. Highly recommend! Loved it and will be buying for family and friends.

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Tom Flickinger

Very much enjoyed the Nike journey and the humanity of Mr. Knight, he is not very different from ourselves, but with a lot more grit and perseverance.

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Ernest Rapp

Great read! Great message! I listened to it 1.25x. Sounded great and got through the book a bit faster!

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Tina Vahn

This isn't exactly what I was expecting but overall I enjoyed this listen. I work in advertising and I hoped there would be more about their advertising and the Just Do It campaign but that was never even mentioned. If you like memoirs about successful businesses and how they become a world-wide sensation and household name, you would enjoy this book. The narration was good. Took me a while to get used, but overall a great voice.

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Isha R

Enjoyed the book very much. A true journey towards success. Nike has its own legacy.

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Kathy Keil-Rogers

I really enjoyed learning about the story of both Phil Knight and NIKE.... This is a great "American Dream" story that only supports the idea that with hard work and belief in oneself we can all do more and create something beautiful. I loved how humble and down to earth Phil and his team are...great guys who created an amazing legacy company.

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Kyle Mathiow ta

Loved it. I've always liked Nike and it was very interesting to hear how it came to be. I thought Knight's insight into the market at the time was very interesting and anyone would enjoy this book.

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Guy Thomas

Pure brilliance... This story just shows that you should never give up... Look how many time Nike almost failed!! Totally loved the book and Mr. Knight is a true inspiration... Thanks for everything you've done...

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Dillon Nelson

I really enjoyed this story of triumph for Mr. Phil Knight and was very sad to hear about his son. Nike shoes are now my favorite and applaud his efforts to help young women across the globe.

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Matthew Gibb

This is a great book about a young man's search for purpose which wrapped around his love of running,a passionate coach and a betrayal by the Japanese factory that was trying to buy him out. A true American story. Buck Knight,is a truly humble and brilliant man. Highly reccommended

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William Crumbaker

I am a university of Washington graduate and a great Husky football fan.Our biggest rivalry is the Oregon Ducks or should I say the university ofNike . While reading the book I found myself rooting for the supporter of our dreaded rival Oregon. I had been hoping that UW would ditch Nike and go with any body other than Nike and now I willing to keep Nike, I will be very happy when we we beat the dreaded ducks and I think it may be this year but I have to say I really enjoyed this book

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