Shoe Dog: Young Readers Edition

by Phil Knight

“An eye-opening look into the story of Knight before his multibillion dollar company.” — School Library Journal

“A great story about how an ambition turned into a business…serves as a guide for accomplishing great things.” — VOYA

In this young reader’s edition of the New York Times bestseller, Nike founder and board chairman Phil Knight “offers a rare and revealing look at the notoriously media-shy man behind the swoosh” ( Booklist , starred review), opening up about how he went from being a track star at an Oregon high school to the founder of a brand and company that changed everything.

You must forget your limits.

It was only when Nike founder Phil Knight got cut from the baseball team as a high school freshman that his mother suggested he try out for track instead. Knight made the track team and found that not only could he run fast but also, more importantly, he liked it.

Ten years later, young and searching, Knight borrowed fifty dollars from his father and launched a company with one simple import high quality running shoes from Japan. Selling the shoes from the trunk of his car to start, he and his gang of friends and runners built one of the most successful brands ever.

Phil Knight encountered risks and setbacks along the way, but always followed his own advice. Just keep going. Don’t stop. Whatever comes up, don’t stop. Filled with wisdom, humanity, humor, and heart, the young readers edition of the bestselling Shoe Dog is a story of determination that inspires all who read it.

The Young Readers Edition is an abridged version of the internationally bestselling adult book and it features original front matter and back matter, including a new introduction and “A Letter to the Young Reader” containing advice from Phil Knight for budding entrepreneurs.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Business, Sports, Memoir, Childrens, Biography Memoir

304 pages, Paperback

First published September 26, 2017

About the author

Philip Hampson Knight, whose nickname is "Buck", is an American businessman and philanthropist. He is the co-founder and current chairman emeritus of Nike, Inc., and previously served as chairman and CEO of the company.

Reviews

[Yesenia Cash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely will be reading he adult version as well, it feels like I’m missing much more although I still enjoyed this version!

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's a lot to unpack here.

I did not intend to read the "Young Readers Edition," but I accidentally requested it and decided to roll with it. Apparently, YREs are slightly simplified and less detailed. It was definitely a very fast read!

On the surface, it's a fun look at Nike in its infancy. Oh, that Buck! He ran into some troubling times, but kept right on running!

But if you scratch the surface at all, Knight's behavior problematic throughout the book. Nike's origin story is full of shady business (deliberate lying, outright stealing, extremely unwise management tactics) and he married one of his students. These are not minor white lies: at one point, he waits until a business opponent goes to the bathroom and then steals documents out of their briefcase, and then employs blocking shenanigans to sneak the folder back where it belongs. Just...super gross.

There were a couple of funny moments (due to a translation error, some shoe prototypes were named "Throw Ups"). But it's fascinating to see what Knight would call "gumption and hard work" but are really his privilege. Most of us cannot get away with pretending to own a company that doesn't exist, borrowing from the bank because we have a rich father, and bumping into successful connections constantly (his Stanford MBA would have surely helped with that).

If you are super into Nike, you might enjoy this book. Otherwise, give it a pass.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the best written memoir but the topic - the forming of Nike - was actually quite interesting.

Cash flow, cash flow. Phil Knight was always borrowing money. It was the only way to grow his company.

4 stars

[Sawyer R · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't my favorite book ever but I actually kinda did find myself enjoying the story of Blue Ribbon and their uprising into Nike, like the whole thing towards the end with Kitami's visit to the US had me kinda fearing for the people in Knight's life even though I knew in the end they would be just fine because it's about Nike. Would I have gone out of my way to read this book had it not been for my business class? Probably not, but hey, it was a decent read.

[John Taylor · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have read many business autobiographies, and this is the first time I have ever felt like one was light on details. You learn so little about how Phil Knight started Nike. Or maybe he really was absent from the company for most of its development? He appeared to just let others create the business while paying them as little as possible, if at all. He was so unbelievably unlikable, and I had to constantly remind myself that he wrote the book, which means this is the most favorable telling of his story. It lacked insights. It lacked any practical business advice or experience, other than lie in business meetings and ignore your employees. He referred to his idea to start a business as his "big idea," which was simply selling shoes in the US sent to him from a Japanese company. It didn't take too many chapters to figure out this business concept.

I would recommend "Delivering Happiness," if you want to read about someone in the shoe industry and countless other business autobiographies, if you want to learn something about business and success. Hard pass.

[Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

the creator of Nike has critical thinking as one of his character strengths, he shows this thoughout the entiear book, as he pitches his ideas, creates is company and grows into a worldwide. as a bussnise mnhe has to make crutial decions to help his company grow.

[Kim Bahr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knight’s journey to find his place in the world and create a successful company is amazing.

[Landon]

In this story Shoe Dog, Phil Knight the creator the Nike goes through a lot of ups and downs in his career and while in highschool. Some of his biggest problems were getting the business started. He had a hard time hiring employees and even one time he got sued. He got sued for making a shoe called “Azetic” and at the time there business was growing really fast and Adidas had a shoe called “Azteca gold ” I think that adidas sued them because they were catching up to them in the market. Phil had to become a teacher so he could pay his employees, another problem for Phil is that his best friend dies in a car crash.
I think that the book is really good and it's a topic I enjoyed reading. I like the way the book teaches you to bounce back after something bad happens and to not give up.

[Alyssa Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not something I’d typically pick out, but read this with my 6th grader. Definitely learned some things about Nike that I wasn’t aware of. Crazy to think that such a HUGE company had such a “rough” start! Perseverance pays off!

[Zohreh Avatefi hafez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some about shoes,some about humanity and success and wisdom,i think this company is great because of wisdom is flowing in this company’s employees and owners

كمي داستان كفش كمي داستان انسانيت و خِرَد

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super autobiografia. Bez zbędnych dat, czy skomplikowanych opisów. Polecam.

[Khatijah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just want to highlight few points I learnt from this book. Firstly, you need to have two things to build an empire. One- Focus, Two- Disciplines. Most memoirs that I read have these two qualities in them. You have them, you got what you need. Sounds cliche? Naaaaa. That's life. Secondly, most memoirs that I read, all the successful men, they only have one woman on their back. They stay loyal to the only one. You get what I mean? For the book itself, I gave 3 stars. It's a drag, I hardly find myself invested in this book, and story about Nike just begun nearly by the end of this book. Thus, the rating. But it still worth my time.

[Mind the Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tidigt 70-tal. Phil Knights passion är skoimport. Han har sagt upp sig från Price Waterhouse för att ta ett mer mellow dayjob (?!) på Portland State University. Där på campus möter han två mycket viktiga personer: 1. Blivande frun med det symboliska namnet Penelope. 2. Carolyn, en random art student som med kort varsel ombeds designa en logotype för en ännu icke namngiven sportsko. " - It'll have to do." Hon skapar den nu legendariska swoosh:en och får 35 dollar för besväret. Senare även aktier i företaget.

Men på vilket sätt är det här en Young Readers Edition? För att den är färgglad? Har 1,5 radavstånd? För det korta brevmanifest-appendixet med en handfull entreprenöriella råd? Det rör sig ändå om en flera hundra sidor detaljerad redogörelse ända från Knights ungdomstid, men inte fram till nutid utan bara fram till den tid då företaget blev Nike.

Till skillnad från övrig managementlitt är företagaren inte någon Skön Typ, som får riskkapital kastat över sig eller lever ett vulgo-dolce vita. Det finns inga anekdoter om kinesiska fiskare och inget hyllande av Steve Jobs o.dyl. Knight kallar en passant sitt eget ledarskap för laissez-faire, men tolka det som autonomi. Själv har han alltid jobbat ihärdigt, varit lösningsinriktad och det är ett bra budskap för alla läsare, oavsett ålder.

[Royston Wah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Wonder if the details are a bit scant due to this being the Young Readers Edition. A short read; Phil could be a fiction writer in another life - frequently employing vivid imagery to describe people.

Surely an interesting read for anyone but it is limited to being an origin story - the moment in the story where Nike finally took off as a brand near the turn of the 21st century, Phil jumps abruptly to Nike's huge success today. Wished there was a part 2 of sorts to fill the gap and colour Nike's story in the 21st century.

Also some hanging questions I had that were never directly answered reading this book - what was Phil's management style and what kind of entrepreneur and leader was he? While managing his first full time employee, Johnson, Phil's style bordered between autonomous leadership and just plain neglect - ignoring multiple mail correspondences by a very hard working individual desperate for advice and encouragement, whom in Phil's own writing, seemed to pour heart and soul into growing Nike's sales through multiple channels - unguided by Phil - in its budding years.

I walked away with an understanding of Nike's history but not as much of Phil himself, which is regrettable.

[Noyonikaa Gupta · Rating 2 out of 5]

didn't mean to read the young readers edition but oh well ?? maybe the "grown up" version is different? I was thoroughly disappointed in this. I was super excited at the beginning and did really enjoy reading about the early stages of the company, but I feel that for how iconic of a brand Nike is, the rest of the memoir really did not do any of it a justice. The writing reeks of privilege that goes unacknowledged and taken for granted. would have loved to learn more about the culture, philosophy, growth of the brand (ex: maybe touching on how the campaigns are designed and executed), how modern societal and cultural shifts have shaped business practices and the evolution of the company. some of this was touched on in the epilogue and ughhh my heart breaks because I was left hungry for so, so, so much more. also Phil Knight sounds kind of like an asshole!

[Karla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an informative insight from Nike founder Phil Knight about the early days of his company. Knowing he now has an estimated wealth of $54.5 billion puts the humble beginnings of his story into perspective.

The young readers edition has an inspiring overall message and provides a realistic insight into starting your own business.

At times the pacing was a little slow and I do feel that young readers would benefit from the memoir having some photographs to support the places and people mentioned in his story.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up: I liked how this story was told, and I think my students enjoyed it as well! The events were interesting, especially in the first half. However, I was a little put off by how he and his wife met (she was his college student and he didn't see anything weird about it, or at least didn't mention it) and the tone seemed a little condescending at times. Also not a big fan of Nike in general, but I'm here to review the book, not that! 🙃

[Sasha Vaniev · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining read about a fascinating becoming story of not so a world-level company, but rather a man with strong belief in running, perseverance and ability to ask for help.
I guess in my case, the book about running shoes could help me to start and maintain my running habits. 🏃‍♂️😎
Honestly, I dunno what the difference is with the “adult” version of this biography book, however, I really liked the narration and the storytelling style of this edition.

[Noah R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a real eye opener to me. I feel like it was a very good book because I love the brand Nike and to see where it came from, to what it is now was a really good thing. I also feel like the message that is sent to the reader is very powerful. The message was to never give up on your dreams and we see that Phil never did even through the hard times where he had no money, no support, or no friends; the business still became the business it is today. I think what you should know before you read this book is that it is a easier read but it is very good.

[Charissa Ty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. It reminded me so much of what I went through and what I'm currently going through. I too, see Penwings as more than a business. It's part of a larger calling that's growing up every single year.

[Arianne Dela Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still enjoyed reading about Phil Knight’s journey (even if I accidentally bought the young reader’s edition haha). Always a fan of humble beginnings. His passion & perseverance despite all the risk brought him to great heights.

[Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book because it shows girt. My favorite part was how they kept expanding and grew very fast. I like it when they were dropped off by the Japanese they made their own shoe and named it Nike.

[JJ Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was really cool to learn about Phil Knight's life before he was rich and how he got to be the founder of Nike.

[Pedro Cavalcanti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy and super engaging reading. I just wished it was slightly more detailed from the mid 70’s onwards, but fascinating story nevertheless.

[Eliza Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like nike and want to know how it was created read this books.

[Lau Riva Palacio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me gustó mucho, me dieron ganas de leer la edición normal para ver qué cambiaron para hacerlo más sencillo 😂 Pero pues sí, súper fácil y rápido de leer.

Me encantó que aún debiendo millones seguía encontrando soluciones y viendo la manera de impulsar su empresa 👏🏼

[Ivan Vargas · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Shoe dog” was a good book, showing dedication and self belief. The book can be very inspiring to many people of all ages because Phil Knight went on a international trip to achieve his goal and start to make and sell running shoes.

Phil told his dad about his idea and tried to convince him that he could have something big in his hands but his dad wasn’t really in on his proportion. After telling and explaining to his dad all the benefits and the possibilities he borrowed $1k.

With Phil Knights international trip his end goal was to land in japan and to then make his running shoes. Phil later on founders his own shoe “Blue ribbon” and started to sell shoes in the US.

[Zach · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good book

[Jessica Kenahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I accidentally checked out the young reader version of Shoe Dog from my library and didn’t realize it until I updated my kindle library 😑. Oh well! It was a well written version and I enjoyed the overall pace. I learned quite a but from this story. For example, I had no idea that the Nike powerhouse was once called Blue Ribbon that sold a Japanese brand called Tigers. The whole story really shows how companies can live and thrive on employees that believe in the cause.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another family bookclub read and definitely not my usual go to genre. However, I didn't hate it as much as I thought I would. This is the young readers edition which has been toned down a bit, I'm guessing to keep the kiddos interested.

I really don't have much to say about this book. It's the story of Nike and how Knight got it started. The only really interesting part of this book was the beginning because it told of how he travelled the world, met different people, ate different foods, and experienced different cultures. All that came after meant nothing to me. However, my brother and bestie were very interested in the guy til the end.