A 16-year-old football player from Goodrich High School in Michigan has officially achieved two Guinness World Records.
Eric Kilburn Jr., who stands 6 feet 10 inches tall, holds the records for the largest feet and the largest hands of any living teenager.
His feet measure an astonishing 13½ inches, equivalent to a size 23 in men’s shoes, significantly larger than the typical male range of 8½ to 9.
In addition, his hands measure 9.13 inches, well above the average of 7.4 inches for his age group.
“People are often surprised and feel at ease discussing the size of my feet and hands with me,” he shared with Guinness. “This has allowed me to meet many interesting people.”
Kilburn has been significantly taller than his classmates since kindergarten and hasn’t been able to buy new shoes in a store since fifth grade. He only became aware of his uniqueness when his size started to create challenges in daily life.
Custom shoes, which doctors estimated would cost the family over $1,500, would have placed a significant financial burden on them.
Instead, Kilburn chose to wear Crocs for two straight years, even in Michigan’s snowy conditions, leading to painful calluses, blisters, and ingrown toenails. He also had to watch his football team from the sidelines due to a high ankle sprain caused by not having appropriate cleats.
Fortunately, as his story gained attention, several shoemakers, including Under Armour and Reebok, along with NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, stepped in to provide the high schooler with multiple pairs of properly fitting shoes.
“It was really inspiring to see how many people genuinely care about helping others,” he said.
Witnessing this support motivated Kilburn Jr. to continue spreading positivity through the Big Shoe Network, a nonprofit organization founded by his mother that assists individuals struggling to find clothing and shoes in their size.
“I want to help others just as I was helped when I needed it,” Eric shared.
He also aims to encourage people to embrace their uniqueness.
“It’s perfectly fine to stand out. Don’t let negativity deter you from your goals,” the optimistic teen advised.
While setting two world records before turning 18 wasn’t initially a personal goal, the high schooler is thrilled about the recognition.