Shoe Dog

More about the book

In this candid and riveting memoir, Nike founder Phil Knight shares the inside story of the company's early days as an intrepid start-up and its evolution into a global icon. In 1962, fresh out of business school, Knight borrowed $50 from his father to create a company with a simple mission: import high-quality, low-cost athletic shoes from Japan. Selling from the trunk of his lime green Plymouth Valiant, he grossed $8,000 in his first year. Today, Nike's annual sales exceed $30 billion, making it the epitome of successful startups, with the swoosh becoming a revolutionary, recognizable symbol worldwide. Despite his success, Knight has remained a mystery. For the first time, he shares his story, beginning with a pivotal moment at 24 when he chose the unconventional path of entrepreneurship after backpacking around the world. He recounts the risks and setbacks he faced, alongside early triumphs. Above all, he highlights the formative relationships with his first partners and employees—a diverse group that became a close-knit team. Together, they harnessed the power of a shared mission and belief in the spirit of sport, building a brand that transformed the industry.