• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Shaq sends specially designed shoes to 14-year-old boy who is 6ft 10 with size 23 feet

Home> Celebrity

Published 14:14 1 Apr 2023 GMT+1

Shaq sends specially designed shoes to 14-year-old boy who is 6ft 10 with size 23 feet

The legendary basketball star offered his support

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

Legendary basketball star Shaquille O’Neal joined forces with Reebok to help out a 6-foot-10 teen who has record breaking size 23 feet.

Eric Kilburn Jr hit headlines earlier this month after his parents spoke out about the struggles they had when finding shoes for their 14-year-old son.

Kilburn, who uses the nickname 'Big E’, was forced to play defensive tackle without cleats, as he was unable to find any that fit.

The teen had just one pair of size 22 basketball shoes that a friend managed to find for him in an outlet store.

Advert

“I just want shoes,” Kilburn said. “There’s nothing else behind it. I just need shoes because once I grow out of these, I’ll have nothing to wear – no sandals, no crocs, no anything.”

But seeing his plight, Reebok sent Kilburn five pairs of Shaq’s custom made shoes.

In a statement, Reebok said: “Since receiving, Eric’s been thrilled to be able to wear these shoes and even shared with us for the first time in years he couldn’t believe he even had options on different color ways and styles he could wear.”

O’Neal, who is currently recovering from hip surgery, also reached out to Kilburn over the phone to offer support.

Advert

Reebok sent the teen some shoes.
Twitter/Reebok

In a post on Twitter, Reebok showed off the five pairs of shoes alongside the caption: “We got you. Sending you some of @SHAQ’s shoes ASAP!”

The company was praised for the generous offer, with one fan writing: “Love this! This is why I continue to admire Reebok… they’re a sneaker brand for the people!”

Another commented: “This is why I love Reebok," while a third wrote: "Good guy Reebok."

Advert

Reebok aren’t the only company to respond to Kilburn’s struggles - Under Armour also got in touch to offer Kilburn some custom-made shoes.

Eric Kilburn Jr plays football for Goodrich High School in Michigan.
Facebook/Rebecca Kilburn

Kilburn and his family were invited along by Robb Cropp, senior director of Footwear Development at Under Armour, to get a 3D rendering of the teen’s feet, from which shoes could be made.

Speaking after he was given the shoes, he said: “Been worried for so long what I would do if I grew out of [size] 22′s, but Under Armour has come up with a solution.

Advert

“It means everything to me, just having shoes that don’t cause blisters or just pain on my feet would mean everything. It would mean the world.”

And now he's got quite a selection to choose from.

Featured Image Credit: Pacific Press Media Production Corp. / Alamy Stock Photo / Local 4/ WDIV

Topics: Celebrity, Sport

Claire Reid
Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at UNILAD who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats.

Advert

Advert

Advert

  • 14-year-old boy who is 6ft 10 needs specially designed shoes after feet grew to size 23
  • What we know after 14-year-old boy is found dead 35 minutes after 'flirting with girl' online
  • Teen Mom star Farrah Abraham defends letting her 14-year-old daughter get lip piercings

Choose your content:

15 mins ago
an hour ago
4 hours ago
2 days ago
  • 15 mins ago

    Michael Douglas shares heartbreaking reason he's quit acting for good

    The star is not expected to reprise his role as the beloved Hank Pym in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday

    Celebrity
  • an hour ago

    Fan fears for Justin Bieber grow as singer shares 'detox' selfie on social media

    Some fans issued comforting messages while others were concerned

    Celebrity
  • 4 hours ago

    TV presenter diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease details ‘silly’ test she did that revealed sinister symptoms

    She previously believed she was just going through menopause after hearing other celebrities' stories

    Celebrity
  • 2 days ago

    Fantastic Four star Julian McMahon dies aged 56 as wife releases heartbreaking statement

    The star has died after battling cancer, his family have confirmed

    Celebrity