Shaquille O’Neal Finds Size 23 Shoes For Frustrated Teen

People come in all different shapes and sizes. Some are small, others average, and then there is Shaquille O’Neal. He understands the struggles that go along with being supersized in a world of regular-sized people.

Recently, Shaq had the opportunity to help a boy in Michigan that was struggling with being supersized as well. The boy was only 14 years old, but he already had size 23 feet.

As a freshman in high school, Eric Kilburn is known for his colossal size. He is 6 feet, 10 inches tall, and towers over everyone at the school, including teachers and fellow classmates.

It is difficult to be taller than everyone else, but he had an even bigger problem with his shoes. Since he couldn’t find sneakers his size, he had to wear other shoes, which caused him to sprain his ankle.

Wearing shoes that don’t fit also has caused him to suffer from ingrown toenails on a regular basis. He lamented when speaking to Hometown Life that it would “mean everything” if he could only have shoes that fit.

His mother, Rebecca, also felt similarly, saying her son is a wonderful kid and does well, but it has not always been a blessing for him to be so tall. She feels a weight on her heart because she can’t fill that one basic need of shoes that fit.

After the story went viral, somehow Shaquille O’Neil heard about it. He could’ve sent anyone to help the team, but he decided to call him personally.

According to Hometown Life, the teenager described what it felt like when he got the call. He said he was flabbergasted and it was as if his soul left his body for a moment.

O’Neill had a conversation with him about sports and told him he should listen to his parents. He said he made $900 million by listing to his mom and dad, so he should do the same.

He also has shoe connections, including someone who makes dress shoes for men with supersized feet. Many shoe companies have also come forward since then to assist, including Reebok, Puma, and Under Armour.

Kuma even took the opportunity to measure Eric’s feet in person so custom shoes could be made. This was shared on Facebook by his mom:

Another personal foot fitting session was offered by Under Armour. They want to create athletic shoes and boots for him.

Boots would be nice because Eric has to wear Crocs in the winter because no boots fit him.

According to Fox 7 Austin, custom shoes are being made at this time but for now, he gets to wear Shaq’s shoes. The basketball star owns stock in Reebok and sent Eric a few of his size 22s:

They don’t fit perfectly but they are better than what he has been wearing. In addition, wearing the basketball legend’s own shoes makes him proud.