26 March 2023 , 19:18
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The family of a teenager who stands at 6ft 10in has pleaded for help to find shoes that will fit his size 23 feet.
Eric Kilburn Jr., a 14-year-old from Ortonville in Michigan, had been wearing size 22 shoes that were too small and subsequently caused painful calluses, blisters and ingrown toenails.
Rebecca, his mum, has pleaded for help finding shoes for him to wear. The search has proven difficult, given the average American male show size is 10.5.
However, her search seems to have finally paid off, with Puma and Under Armour having said they would design size 23 footwear, especially for him.
Speaking to HometownLife, Rebecca, 36, said he was "still growing" though luckily had encountered no health issues related to his rapid development.
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Eric's family and friends have long been familiar with the quest for large shoes; at grade seven he was wearing size 17 shoes.
Eric on the football pitchEric was forced to wear Crocs at one stage for two years, as there were no other options available other than $1,500 custom orthotics that he would quickly grow out of.
Rebecca said she had struggled with feelings that she had "failed" her child as she was not able to find what he needed.
"It's frustrating as his mom and not being able to find shoes, which is such a basic need. I can't find shoes for my teenager. What can I do when his feet grow?'
"The orthotics catalog was mainly Velcro shoes. Eric was like, 'I'd rather be barefoot'," she said.
Eric's size 23 feet"It's hard enough to stand out like he does. You don't want to be the giant kid walking down the hallway in old man Velcro shoes."
Eric said he is on the receiving end of a lot of questions and stares.
After Eric's struggle was made public by a local news outlet, his story went viral and the family received an outpouring of support.
Following years of shoe manufacturers telling them there was "nothing" they could do, Under Armour and Puma had now offered to create custom shoes and cleats for Eric.
Puma and Under Armour have said they'll design footwear just for EricCat footwear also intended to send him boots, while an Italian company, Mauri, is offering to make dress shoes for school and more formal occasions.
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Under Armour have said Eric's feet would be the biggest pair they had ever made shoes for.
Senior Director of Footwear Development Robb Cropp said: "There are not that many people in the world in these sizes."
"We had to help. We know the importance of sports to kids and their development," he added.
Rebecca said the offers of help had restored her faith in humanity.
"I hit so many dead ends with people laughing when I called to ask about shoes. It was a very lonely feeling. And now we're overflowing with support, generosity and kindness," she said.
"It's been overwhelming," she said. "I have been this puddle of emotions, all of them good… It's the coolest thing to be able to say we did it! He has shoes! I am not usually a crier, but I have been in a constant state of happy tears…We are so grateful."
A GoFundMe set up for the family had raised more than $23,000 for the family.
Rebecca had also started a Facebook group called 'Big Shoe Network' to help people find large shoes for them to buy.