Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

A Memoir by the Creator of Nike

Shoe Dog caught my attention in ways I never expected from a business memoir. I went in not knowing what to expect, but Phil Knight’s story of how Nike came to be wasn’t just about building a brand—it was an emotional, raw, and often surprising journey of perseverance, risk-taking, and near failures. Knight pulls back the curtain on the chaotic and unpredictable path of entrepreneurship, and his candidness was both refreshing and unexpected.

What really struck me was the vulnerability with which Knight shared his struggles. I hadn’t anticipated such a deeply personal recounting of the sleepless nights, financial challenges, and moments of doubt that came with trying to launch a global brand like Nike. I found myself curious about how someone could push through so many obstacles, and the way Knight balanced his passion for running with his drive to create something bigger than himself left me in awe.

The journey from selling shoes out of the trunk of his car to building a multi-billion-dollar company was far more unpredictable and full of setbacks than I had imagined. I was skeptical at first—could the creation of such an iconic brand really be so fraught with uncertainty? But Knight’s storytelling and the lessons he learned along the way, like the importance of team dynamics, taking bold risks, and trusting your gut, made me rethink what it truly takes to achieve massive success.

I thoroughly enjoyed Shoe Dog because it wasn’t just a corporate success story—it was an authentic and human portrayal of the messy, often turbulent road to achieving a dream. Knight’s modern, conversational style pulled me in, and his willingness to share both the triumphs and failures made it feel relatable in a way I hadn’t anticipated. By the end, I was left inspired, reflecting on the grit and tenacity required to bring a vision to life. Overall, it was an engaging and surprisingly intimate look at the creation of one of the world’s most recognizable brands.