Teen Achieves World Record for Largest Hands and Feet

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

Eric Kilburn Jr., who stands at 6 feet 10 inches tall, holds the records for the largest feet and hands of a living teenager.

His feet measure 13½ inches, corresponding to a remarkable size 23 in men’s shoes, significantly larger than the average range of 8½ to 9 for adult males.

Additionally, his hands span 9.13 inches, well above the average of 7.4 inches for his age group.

“People are often surprised and feel at ease starting conversations with me about the size of my feet and hands,” he told Guinness. “I meet a lot of interesting people this way.”

Kilburn has been significantly taller than his classmates since kindergarten and hasn’t been able to find new shoes in stores since the fifth grade.

He only became aware of his uniqueness when his size began 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 wore Crocs for two 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 proper 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 him with several pairs of well-fitting shoes.

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

Witnessing the support he received inspired Kilburn Jr. to spread positivity through the Big Shoe Network, a nonprofit organization founded by his mother that focuses on assisting individuals who have difficulty finding clothes and shoes in their sizes.

“I want to help others 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 optimistic teen said.

While setting two world records before turning 18 wasn’t a specific goal for him, the high schooler is thrilled about the recognition.