At just 16, Eric Kilburn Jr. from Michigan has already set two world records, though he leads a simple life focused on school, sports, and friends. Kilburn Jr. now holds the records for having the largest feet and hands of any teenager globally. His feet measure an impressive 13.5 inches, meaning he wears size 23 shoes in the US (or size 22 in the UK), while an average adult male’s shoe size typically ranges from 8 to 9.
His hands, which also set a record, measure 9.13 inches, significantly larger than the average male hand size of around 7.4 inches. Kilburn Jr., who stands at 6 feet 10 inches, shared with ‘Guinness World Records’ that he first realized his unusual size in kindergarten, when he was noticeably taller and larger than his peers.
As he grew, his hands and feet continued to expand at a remarkable rate, which affected his daily life. By fifth grade, he could no longer find shoes in stores and had to rely on custom-made pairs, costing over $1,500 (Rs. 1.25 lakh) each. His mother began to wonder whether his extraordinary size might qualify him for a world record, thinking it could attract sponsorships from shoe companies to help with the cost. Kilburn Jr. applied for the title at 14, hoping to be included in the ‘Guinness World Records’ book.
Following his rise to fame, several shoe brands, including Puma and Under Armour, offered to create custom shoes and boots for him. Kilburn Jr. expressed his gratitude, saying the most incredible part of his journey was connecting with these companies and the people who supported him during his need for shoes. He mentioned that people are often astonished by the size of his feet and hands, sparking conversations. He advises others, “It’s okay to stand out. Don’t let negativity distract you from your goals.”