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Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike

Phil Knight's candid memoir detailing the early founding and rise of Nike.

From the Xiry library · Updated 3 October 2026

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Shoe Dog is an autobiography by Nike founder Phil Knight chronicling the messy origins of the company, starting as Blue Ribbon importing shoes from Japan to becoming a global brand. It provides an honest look at the financial strain, supplier disputes, legal battles, and team dynamics involved in building a multibillion-dollar business.

What it's for

  • Study the real cash flow and supplier risks faced by an early-stage physical product company
  • Understand the founder mindset and resilience required during prolonged business crises
  • Gain perspective on early brand building, company culture, and strategic partnerships

Features

  • Firsthand account of Nike's journey from selling shoes out of a car trunk to a global enterprise
  • Detailed recounting of early financing struggles, hostile bankers, and cash-flow bottlenecks
  • Profiles of core early collaborators like track coach Bill Bowerman and Nike's first employees
  • Includes a reading group discussion guide and author background

Pricing

Paid. $20.00 paperback list price

Details

Type
Article or course
Category
Learning
Topic
Business Biographies
Open source
No
Platforms
other
For
Entrepreneurs, business students, founders, and anyone interested in business biographies.
Tags
books, memoir, entrepreneurship, business, startups, nike

Why it was saved

  • @askmichia, 10 April 2024: Provides firsthand insight into the grit, risks, and mindset required to build a global multibillion-dollar company.

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