Eric Kilburn Jr, 16, has the largest feet and the largest hands of a living teenager in the world. He said he first became aware of his exceptional size in kindergarten
A teenager who wears size 23 shoes due to his huge feet has secured a spot in the Guinness World Records 2025 book for two remarkable achievements.
Eric Kilburn Jr, 16, has both the largest feet and the largest hands of a living teenager in the world. His feet measure an impressive 34.30cm (13.50inches) and his shoes are an American size 23 – the equivalent of a size 22 in the UK. That’s significantly larger than the average shoe for an adult male, which typically ranges from 8.5 to 9.
But that’s not all, as Eric, from Michigan, also has the largest hands, measuring an amazing 23.20cm (9.13inches), as certified by Guinness World Records. The size of his hands far exceeds the average for his age, which stands at 19.04cm (just over 7.4inches).
Eric having his feet measured ( Image: @mlive / Youtube)
In a news release, Guinness World Records said Eric first became aware of his exceptional size in kindergarten as he noticed he was “much taller and larger than his friends.” And growing up, the difference became more pronounced, with his large hands and feet affecting his everyday life on several occasions.
Eric said that because of his, he hasn’t been able to shop for shoes in store “since around fifth grade” and shortly after that, also shopping for gloves became a challenge. Eric’s mother Rebecca said they have been forced to fork out as much as $1,500 to buy just a pair of custom-made orthopaedic shoes.
Eric wears size 23 shoes ( Image: Guinness World Records)
He described winning the Guinness World Record as an amazing experience ( Image: Guinness World Records)
She then began looking at the options of applying for a record title, which she did with the help of family friend Kara Pattison when Eric was 14. And as Eric’s story gained traction online, major companies like Puma and Under Armour stepped in by offering him custom-made boots.
Even NBA basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal supported the teen, with the star sending him “giant boxes” full of clothes and shoes that would fit him. Looking back on his record-breaking journey, Eric said one of the best parts about his record was “having the connection with the amazing shoe companies, and all of the people who stepped up to help me when I needed shoes.”
He added: “It was pretty cool to see how many people genuinely care about helping others.” Eric said he often gets stares and questions from random people who notice his unusual size. He explained: “People are usually amazed and feel comfortable starting conversations with me about the size of my feet and hands. I meet lots of interesting people this way.”
Eric said that when he is not busy with schoolwork, he enjoys playing basketball and football – and revealed that thanks to his height, he makes “an excellent blocker for all kinds of shots in sporting events.” And he also enjoys some unique hobbies like metal forging and woodworking, which are interests he shares with his grandfather.
Eric is getting some new shoes to celebrate ( Image: @mlive / Youtube)
In the future, Eric said he hopes to get involved with The Big Shoe Network, the non-profit organization founded by his mother, which is 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,” he said.
After his name was added to Guinness World Records, Eric said he was amazed. He explained: “Being in the Guinness World Records book still feels surreal. To have gone from reading the books to being inside the 2025 book is something I never would have imagined was even possible. This experience is something that I am so grateful for. It really couldn’t be any better in my eyes.”
