A 16-year-old football player from Goodrich High School in Michigan, Eric Kilburn Jr., has officially set two Guinness World Records for having the largest feet and hands among living teenagers.
Standing at 6 feet 10 inches tall, Eric’s feet measure an astonishing 13½ inches, making him a size 23 in men’s shoes — far beyond the typical men’s shoe size of 8½ to 9. His hands span 9.13 inches, significantly larger than the average 7.4 inches for teens his age.
“People are often amazed and enjoy starting conversations with me about the size of my feet and hands,” Eric told Guinness, noting how it often leads to meeting interesting people.
Since kindergarten, Eric has been much bigger than his classmates, and by the fifth grade, he could no longer buy shoes in stores. He only began noticing the challenges of his size when it started affecting his daily life.
Doctors warned that custom shoes would cost his family more than $1,500, creating financial difficulties. As a result, Eric wore Crocs for two years, even during Michigan’s harsh winters, causing painful calluses, blisters, and ingrown toenails. He also missed time on the football field after suffering a high ankle sprain due to not having properly fitted cleats.
Fortunately, after his story gained attention, shoe companies like Under Armour and Reebok, with assistance from NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, provided him with multiple pairs of shoes that fit.
“It was amazing to see how many people genuinely care about helping others,” Eric said.
Inspired by the support he received, Eric’s mother founded the Big Shoe Network, a nonprofit aimed at helping people find clothes and shoes in hard-to-find sizes. Eric hopes to continue spreading positivity through this initiative.
“I want to help others the way I was helped when I needed it,” Eric explained, also encouraging people to embrace their uniqueness.
“It’s okay to stand out. Don’t let negativity distract you from your goals,” he said.
Though breaking two world records wasn’t initially on his agenda, Eric is thrilled by the recognition.
