Teen sets world record for largest feet and hands

A 16-year-old football player from Goodrich High School in Michigan has officially set two Guinness World Records.

Eric Kilburn Jr, a towering 6-foot-10 teen, holds the distinction of having the largest feet and hands of any living teenager.

His feet span an impressive 13½ inches, equating to a startling size 23 in men’s shoes—a size that is significantly larger than the typical range of 8½ to 9 for a male.

Similarly, his hands measure 9.13 inches, a size that is notably larger than the average 7.4 inches seen in his peers of the same age.

“People are usually amazed and feel comfortable starting conversations with me about the size of my feet and hands,” he told Guinness. “I meet lots of interesting people this way.”

Kilburn has always been significantly larger than his classmates since kindergarten, and he hasn’t been able to buy new shoes in a store since the fifth grade.

It wasn’t until his size started to cause issues in his daily life that he realized just how unique he was.

The custom shoes, cautioned by doctors to cost the family over $1,500, would have placed a significant financial burden on his family.

Instead, Kilburn chose to wear Crocs for an entire two-year period, even in snowy conditions in Michigan, leading to painful calluses, blisters, and ingrown toenails. Additionally, he was forced to watch his football team from the sidelines due to a severe high ankle sprain, a consequence of not wearing cleats.

Fortunately, as the teen’s story spread, several shoemakers, including Under Armour and Reebok, with the help of NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal, stepped up to provide the high schooler with several pairs of shoes that fit him.

“It was pretty cool to see how many people genuinely care about helping others,” he said.

Seeing others help him inspired Kilburn Jr. to continue to spread positivity through the Big Shoe Network — a nonprofit organization founded by his mother, focused on helping individuals who struggle to find clothes and shoes in their size.

“I want to help people the same way I was helped when I needed it,” Eric explained.

He also hopes to encourage people to embrace their differences.

“It’s okay to stand out. Don’t let negativity distract you from your goals,” the positivity-minded teen said.

Although setting two world records before turning 18 wasn’t exactly a goal of his, the high schooler is excited about the recognition.