Teen left in 'pain' with massive size 23 shoes as finding footwear is 'torture'

11 February 2024 , 11:45

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Teen left in 'pain' with massive size 23 shoes as finding footwear is 'torture'

A teenager with a whopping size 23 shoe has admitted finding footwear is "torture" - and is even prevented from going out as "it hurts his feet."

16-year-old Jor’el Bolden, who is 6ft '5', has struggled to find footwear that fits him all his life and now he doesn't have shoes that fit him comfortably, according to his mum Tamika Neal.

Last summer, his mum was able to find a pair of size 22 tennis shoes on eBay but he has since grown out of them and can't wear them without being in constant pain. “I’m on a mission because he can’t really go out,” Neal said, who admitted even NBA-great Shaquille O’Neal doesn’t wear a size 23.

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Jor’el Bolden is often in pain from his shoes (KC TV)

Neal added: "I am now running into the problem where Jor’el doesn't have any shoes to wear. They are all uncomfortable due to the staples coming out on the inside of the shoe and poking him. It has even become a problem when it comes to school because he doesn’t have the proper shoes to wear out of the house (snow boots) to go to school."

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The gentle giant, from Missouri, needs custom-made shoes but they cost in the thousands, which has resulted in Neal setting up a GoFundMe to try and help pay towards the costs. “It’s embarrassing,” Jor’el said. “I don’t like asking for help.”

The teen struggles to find shoes (KC TV)

She wrote on the page: "I have been jokingly saying that I was going to create a GoFundMe page due to him needing shoes. I never actually thought it would come to fruition. The first time that I mentioned it he was in a size 17 shoe. That was a year ago. My 16-year-old son, Jor'el, is now in a size 23 shoe.

"This size shoe is hard to come by, as commercial shoe sizes only go up to a size 22. However, I have spoken to some people who are able to make a shoe for him. They are asking $1500 for one pair. Seeing that he is not done growing, I figure I should get two pairs."

A target of £7,000 was set and thanks to generous donations she has smashed through the aim and raised nearly £10,000 which will get the teen some custom made shoes.

The size 22 shoes were purchased on eBay last year (KC TV)

Neal revealed: "I am just in awe of everything right now all the help and support that we are getting. Shoes are coming soon I’m taking with a few companies that are going to make him some."

Many of the kind-hearted donors contributed a small amount to get Neal over the line. One wrote: "I hope he likes his shoes and that his strong and sturdy feet enable him to accomplish great things in the future."

Another added: "Here’s to being comfortable - I hope you get so much extra $ you get yourself a foot massage!"

Liam Buckler