Phil Knight’s “Shoe Dog” Review
Image courtesy of Variety.com
By SJ HWANG ‘23
Everybody knows Nike; nowadays it’s almost impossible not to see the famous swoosh printed on clothing or sports gear. Nike is one of the world’s most profitable and iconic brands, annually generating approximately $39 billion in revenue. Like many other people, I use Nike products; the simple design of the swoosh is on my shoes, my socks, and even the kneepads I wear for volleyball. I often wonder how brands like Nike become so successful. I used to think that the company just kicked off instantly, making money by the millions. I would never have guessed that Nike is the product of a very turbulent journey.
“Shoe Dog” is the memoir of Nike’s co-founder Phil Knight. In it, he shares the story of Nike’s early days, beginning when he sold shoes from the trunk of his car. It surprised me to find out that Nike, previously named Blue Ribbon Sports, did not initially make their own products, but they resold Japanese sports shoes.
The memoir felt very intimate and personal; Phil Knight’s voice was full of raw, unfiltered emotion. It made my heart flip and turn as I clung to every word he wrote. Never had a memoir moved me so much: I cried, screamed, and laughed as if I had experienced all he described for myself. Most importantly, Phil Knight’s memoir made success look much more accessible.
My parents have never voiced their expectations to me directly, but I can feel it in their gaze and touch. I want to become the best possible version of myself: in order to make them proud, I want to be successful in my academic life and future careers. I am a freshman, yet I am still lost, and I can’t see what the future holds for me. I always thought it was wrong for me to feel this way, but Phil Knight’s memoir reassured me that our lifelong passions can emerge unexpectedly, at any time. Phil Knight chose to go down what was at the time considered an unconventional road-- while on a jog, he impulsively decided to quit his job at an accounting firm and start his own business.
After reading Shoe Dog, I have become much more reflective. I wonder to myself, is what I’m doing right now really what I enjoy or want? I am embarrassed to admit that at one point I did things only to earn the credit or praise; now I do what I truly enjoy. There are so many things I want to do and so little time, but that’s a different issue-- now I’m learning how to prioritize and manage my time.
I truly recommend this memoir to everyone. I know and acknowledge that not all will enjoy it, but I believe that “Shoe Dog” could be incredibly powerful to countless people.