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Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike

Author:
Phil Knight
Read by:
Norbert Leo Butz
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Unabridged Audiobook

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Ratings
Book
1097
Narrator
131
Release Date
April 26, 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
Profile Avatar Kyle Mauch Dec 2016

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

Profile Avatar Mindaugas Sujeta Feb 2017

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

Profile Avatar Santos C. Jul 2019

The narration complemented the story

Profile Avatar Wim K Jul 2017

Great review of the creation of a global power brand

Profile Avatar Anonymous Feb 2020

Very well written, very interesting and well read

Profile Avatar Martin T. Feb 2020

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!

Profile Avatar Thabo M. Jan 2020

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

Profile Avatar Joseph H. Dec 2019

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

Profile Avatar Greg J. Jun 2019

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

Profile Avatar Felicia M. Feb 2019

Love, love this, one of my favorite books.

Profile Avatar Kevin L. Jan 2019

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!

Profile Avatar Federico S. Nov 2018

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

Profile Avatar Thomas K. Nov 2018

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.

Profile Avatar Kumaran M. Nov 2018

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.

Profile Avatar Robert P. Aug 2018

Great book and narration!

Profile Avatar Allen F. Aug 2018

Loved this book and one of my favorites !

Profile Avatar Silke K. Jun 2018

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

Profile Avatar LaToya M Mar 2018

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

Profile Avatar Kailum H Jan 2018

Great book, great narration also

Profile Avatar Ronald S Jan 2018

Great book and narration!

Profile Avatar Demetri S Dec 2017

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.

Profile Avatar Tyler S Oct 2017

Great book, Narrator capture the emotion really good

Profile Avatar Balamurugan T Oct 2017

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

Profile Avatar Paolo R Oct 2017

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

Profile Avatar Lenford T Sep 2017

Amazing book

Profile Avatar Paul J Sep 2017

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

Profile Avatar Shannon G Jul 2017

Great Book all around!

Profile Avatar Jordan G Apr 2017

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

Profile Avatar Joshua F Apr 2017

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

Profile Avatar Eran Berkovitz May 2025

Great story, great nerration

Profile Avatar Jane Mar 2025

A brilliant book. Generated a lot of food for thought.

Profile Avatar Bill T. Jul 2024

Good history read on Nike.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jun 2024

Great book. Its inspiring to see a successful entrepreneur share his fears and doubts throughout the process of building such a remarkable company like Nike. It helps me realize that even in the face of fears and self-doubts, one can still create something extraordinary.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Mar 2024

It was good

Profile Avatar Mike H. Jan 2024

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.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Aug 2023

Good story

Profile Avatar Samantha N. Jul 2023

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

Profile Avatar Rafael E. Mar 2023

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!

Profile Avatar Ignacio R. Mar 2023

Amazing and inspiring!

Profile Avatar Kathy D. Mar 2023

Very honest and informative!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Feb 2023

Excellent book. Inspiring!

Profile Avatar Razvan Gligor Jan 2023

Great audiobook, great journey taken by Phil Knight.

Profile Avatar Vinit A. Nov 2022

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.

Profile Avatar Charity M. Oct 2022

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

Profile Avatar Anonymous Sep 2022

I like the book I like the reader

Profile Avatar Anonymous Sep 2022

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!!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jul 2022

A good read.

Profile Avatar Tim M. Dec 2021

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

Profile Avatar Anonymous Nov 2021

Great book!

Profile Avatar Itzik Z. Sep 2021

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

Profile Avatar David M. Jun 2021

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

Profile Avatar Todor P. May 2021

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

Profile Avatar Anonymous Mar 2021

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

Profile Avatar Mignon S. Jan 2021

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.

Profile Avatar David H. Dec 2020

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!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Oct 2020

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

Profile Avatar Diana L. Sep 2020

Great, inspiring

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jul 2020

Great story and great narration.

Profile Avatar Franklin chicas May 2020

A true underdog story!

Profile Avatar Doyla May 2020

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.

Profile Avatar Michael D Apr 2017

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.

Profile Avatar Lyndon W Apr 2017

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

Profile Avatar Benjamin A Apr 2017

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

Profile Avatar Susan M Mar 2017

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

Profile Avatar Dianna DeMaglio Mar 2017

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

Profile Avatar paul casey Mar 2017

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.

Profile Avatar Chris Salazar Mar 2017

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

Profile Avatar Paul Dingwitz Mar 2017

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

Profile Avatar Jerrod Clancy Feb 2017

Great easy listen about such an iconic company and brand!

Profile Avatar Saumya Raj Feb 2017

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

Profile Avatar Logan Paolini Feb 2017

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

Profile Avatar Jared Valdez Jan 2017

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

Profile Avatar juan rodriguez Jan 2017

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

Profile Avatar michael cook Jan 2017

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.

Profile Avatar Michael Murphy Jan 2017

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

Profile Avatar Derk Albada Jelgersma Nov 2016

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

Profile Avatar Moudhi Almarri Nov 2016

I'm inspired and beyond proud

Profile Avatar Jackie Vance Sep 2016

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

Profile Avatar Clifton Johnson Jr. Sep 2016

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.

Profile Avatar Naga Bala Krishnan A Sep 2016

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.

Profile Avatar Matthew Farrar Aug 2016

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

Profile Avatar Raymond Connelly Aug 2016

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

Profile Avatar Karen Jacobson Aug 2016

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.

Profile Avatar Tom Flickinger Aug 2016

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.

Profile Avatar Ernest Rapp Aug 2016

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

Profile Avatar Tina Vahn Jul 2016

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.

Profile Avatar Isha R Jul 2016

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

Profile Avatar Kathy Keil-Rogers Jun 2016

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.

Profile Avatar Kyle Mathiow ta Jun 2016

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.

Profile Avatar Guy Thomas Jun 2016

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...

Profile Avatar Dillon Nelson Jun 2016

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.

Profile Avatar Matthew Gibb Jun 2016

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

Profile Avatar William Crumbaker May 2016

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

Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike

Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike

Author: Phil Knight
Read by: Norbert Leo Butz
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