Teen Who Wears Size 23 Shoes — and Got Help from Shaquille O’Neal — Sets 2 World Records

A 16-year-old boy has set two Guinness World Records.

Eric Kilburn Jr., who went viral a year ago when NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal sent the Michigan teen some custom shoes, now holds the records for the largest feet for a living teenager and largest hands for a living teenager.

According to the Guinness World Records website, Kilburn is 6 feet, 10 inches tall and wears a size 23 shoe. His feet measure 13.50 inches, and his hands measure 9.13 inches.

“I love to inspire people to be them and be who you are. Not hide behind something,” said Eric in a video for Guinness World Records.

The teenager told the organization that while he’s just “regular Eric” to his friends, with whom he enjoys gaming and playing sports, and that “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,” he said.

Noting that, due to his size, he’s met many “interesting people,” he encouraged individuals not to be afraid to stand out.

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“Do not to let others get you down. It can be easy to read or listen to mean comments, but those individuals are usually the most ultimately unhappy people out there, and you need to stay focused on yourself,” he told Guinness World Records.

Eric’s mom has been an important driving force in his mindset. He told Guinness World Records that she’s shown him that “you can do anything, even through hard times.”

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“Her strength and how she takes such good care of my brother and me, and also cares about others while working towards her goals, is pretty inspiring,” he said.