Eric Kilburn, Jr., a 16-year-old from Goodrich, Michigan, has set the 2025 Guinness World Record for having the largest hands and feet among teenagers. Standing nearly six-foot-eleven and wearing size 23 shoes, Kilburn has faced significant challenges finding footwear that fits. This struggle was highlighted last year when a story about him went viral, attracting widespread attention and support.
In a recent interview with Guinness World Records, Kilburn recounted his efforts to find suitable shoes, stating, “We made hundreds if not thousands of calls to various shoe companies, asking if they could make shoes in my size. Most of them said, ‘You need to be a collegiate or professional athlete for us to help you.’”
The situation improved when companies like Under Armour and Puma offered assistance, but the most impactful support came from basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal. Kilburn shared that Shaq sent him giant FedEx boxes filled with clothes, shoes, and other essentials tailored to his size. O’Neal, who understands the difficulties of having large feet himself, not only provided material support but also offered personal encouragement. Kilburn’s mother, Rebecca, praised O’Neal for his role in supporting her son, noting that Shaq helped Eric navigate the challenges of newfound media attention and built his confidence.
Kilburn displayed his impressive collection of custom-made shoes in the interview, contrasting them with a standard size 10.5 shoe. He also showcased the various gifts from Shaquille O’Neal, including Reebok Shaq Attaq sneakers and Louis Vuitton boots. Kilburn’s story highlights how something as simple as having properly fitting shoes can significantly impact self-esteem and personal confidence.
Rebecca Kilburn reflected on the emotional significance of these gifts, saying, “It’s amazing how something as basic as having different types of shoes can have such a positive effect. Eric’s confidence has grown immensely, and that’s something beyond monetary value.” O’Neal’s empathy, stemming from his own experiences with large feet, provided both practical aid and emotional support, making a lasting difference in Kilburn’s life.
