BOOK SUMMARY
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight is the candid, behind-the-scenes memoir of the founder of Nike. It tells the story of how a young man with a dream of selling high-quality running shoes built one of the world’s most iconic brands. Beginning with Knight’s early travels to Japan to sell Onitsuka Tiger shoes under the name “Blue Ribbon Sports,” the book chronicles his journey through financial struggles, fierce competition, and countless setbacks.
Knight shares the personal and emotional challenges of entrepreneurship — from risking everything to fund the business, to the battles with suppliers and banks, and the uncertainty that came before Nike became a global success. But beyond the business story, Shoe Dog is also about passion, belief, and the importance of surrounding yourself with a loyal, driven team.
Written with honesty and humility, the book reveals the messy, unglamorous side of building something from scratch — showing that greatness is born not from perfection, but from persistence and heart.
HOW IS THIS RELEVANT
This book captures the real spirit of entrepreneurship — the mix of risk, creativity, and resilience required to build something meaningful.
It’s a reminder that every big success starts small, often with uncertainty and failure along the way. For anyone building a side hustle or creative venture, Shoe Dog shows that passion and persistence matter more than resources or luck. It inspires you to keep pushing forward, even when the odds seem impossible — because that’s how legacies are built.