Two Books Detail Nike's Running Origins
A review of two books about Nike's founding by coach Bill Bowerman and athlete Phil Knight, tracing its roots in Oregon's running culture.
Two new books detail how Nike was founded by University of Oregon track coach Bill Bowerman and his former athlete Phil Knight. According to a review on LetsRun.com, the company's deepest roots are in the sport of running, a legacy that continues to shape the modern stats and competitive landscape.
The source highlights 'Bowerman and The Men of Oregon' by Kenny Moore and Phil Knight's memoir 'Shoe Dog'. These works explain the origins of a brand that now sponsors more runners than any other company and is the main sponsor of USATF, influencing everything from team squad compositions to major championship fixtures.
The Coach's Story
Kenny Moore's book is a 417-page biography of legendary coach Bill Bowerman. Moore, a former Bowerman-coached athlete and Sports Illustrated writer, details a life shaped by early trauma. Bowerman's twin brother died in an accident when he was two years old.
Bowerman ran track at Oregon under Bill Hayward. He served in the Army during World War II. The book notes he played a major role in arranging the stand-down of a large group of German soldiers in Italy.
His coaching career at the University of Oregon was marked by innovation. Bowerman helped pioneer altitude training. He organized the 1968 Olympic Training Camp before the Mexico City Games. He is also credited with helping to start America's jogging boom, which facilitated the rise of Nike and running culture.
The Entrepreneur's Memoir
Phil Knight's 'Shoe Dog' is a popular memoir of business obsession. Knight was a member of the Oregon track team, though he admits he wasn't super fast. His fascination with shoes began with his coach.
"It was Bowerman who first made me think, really think, about what people put on their feet," Knight writes. He describes Bowerman as being obsessed with how people are shod.
The story follows years of trying and failing before finding success. Knight received help from fellow Oregon Ducks, including Steve Prefontaine. The book shows how Nike's initial inspiration came directly from running.
Lasting Influence and Controversy
The review states Nike was the first brand to create supershoes. This innovation, it suggests, would have made Bowerman proud. The company's mission of constant innovation is traced back to the coach.
Nike's history is not without controversy. The source mentions scrutiny of its labor practices. It also notes controversies directly related to performance running, including the rise and fall of Alberto Salazar and the Nike Oregon Project, events that have left marks on the sport's standings and athlete injuries narratives.
Together, the books remind readers that a track coach and his athlete built this influential company. They finished on a concrete detail: Nike started out as a running company.
