Review: Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of NIKE

Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of NIKE by Phil Knight
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"For some, I realize, business is the all-out pursuit of profits, period, full stop, but for us the business was no more about making money than being human is about making blood. Yes, the human body needs blood. It needs to manufacture red and white cells and platelets and redistribute them evenly, smoothly, to all the right places, on time, or else. But that day-to-day business of the human body isn't our mission as human beings. It's a basic process that enables our higher aims, and life always strives to transcend the basic process of living ..."

I really enjoyed the message of this book. I actually found it to be rather inspiring. It's all about doing things your own way; being true to yourself. Phil Knight pursued his Crazy Idea, even when no one was backing him, and he fought for it when people tried to bring him down. He overcame obstacles through the sheer determination to keep fighting. And he gathered around him people who believed in the dream as wholeheartedly as him.

It's also fascinating to learn how this iconic brand began and all the brilliant little Nike trivia throughout. I'd never heard of most of the people mentioned in this book, yet they were big names back in the day. It's amazing all the effort that went into building this brand. I work for a company that sells predominantly Nike products, and to be surrounded by it - and dressed in it - while reading about those humble beginnings was an awe-inspiring experience. Plus, it'll be fun to tell customers and colleagues all these new and interesting facts. I'm always thirsting for knowledge.

The writing was surprisingly good and I, like many, wonder if there was some ghost-writing involved. If not, it's pretty impressive. I was actually entertained throughout, even with all the mentions of numbers, loans, shoe materials, factories, etc. There's a great human element that's evident in the storytelling, and it helps you to connect.

It's also incredibly honest. Knight was kind of a jerk, and did some questionable stuff. But he reflects on himself and is able to admit when he was acting petulant, or whiny, or stubborn. The story of how Nike got its name was my favourite.

It would have been nice to have some pictures, but I guess there's always Google for that. I was also hoping to read about the signing of Jordan, whose first choice was Adidas, but alas, he only gets a brief mention in the final few pages. There was some stuff that I feel didn't really need to be included, though I can see why it was, and was still interesting to read.

All in all, a fascinating look at the beginnings of a sports giant, and a rather inspiring memoir about doing things your own way, being true to yourself, and making more out of life than just money.

Anyone interested in the brand will enjoy the trivia, but this is also an inspiring memoir for people who are interested in stories of overcoming adversity, of the little guy with sharp teeth, of a start-up business that ultimately became one of the most successful in the world.

Highly recommend.

View all my reviews