Like many teens his age, 16-year-old Eric Kilburn Jr. From the USA enjoys spending time with family and friends, balancing sports and video games in his free time. However, Eric quite literally stands out from the crowd. He holds the record for the largest feet on a living teenager, with his feet measuring an impressive 34.30 cm. His shoes are an American size 23. That’s significantly larger than the average shoe for an adult male, which typically ranges from 8.5 to 9. Eric’s hands are equally extraordinary: measuring an amazing 23.20 cm. The size far exceeds the average for his age, which stands at 19.04 cm.
Eric first became aware of his exceptional size in kindergarten, noticing that he was “much taller and larger than his friends.” As he grew older, the difference only became more pronounced, and his large hands and feet have affected his everyday life on several occasions. The teenager recalls that he hasn’t been able to shop for shoes in a store “since around fifth grade”. Soon, shopping for gloves also became a challenge.
With no choice but to order custom-made orthopaedic (矫形的) shoes that cost over $1,500 for a single pair, Eric’s mother Rebecca began to wonder if his remarkable size might qualify him for a world record. She thought that, perhaps, having Eric’s unique measurements acknowledged with a record would, in turn, attract companies willing to produce shoes that would fit his unique measurements. With the help and encouragement of his mum and a family friend, Eric applied for his record titles when he was 14 years old. As Eric’s story gained attraction online, major companies like Puma and Under Armour stepped in. The companies offered him custom-made shoes and boots for free, bringing an unexpected but welcome change into his life.
Looking at the future, Eric hopes to get involved with The Big Shoe Network: the nonprofit organization founded by his mother. The teen says he appreciates his mother’s resilience and strength. He is inspired by her ability to care for others while working toward her own goals. “She’s shown me that you can achieve anything, even during tough times,” he adds.
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