A 14-year-old high school freshman is on the verge of landing shoe deals from at least two companies without having to go pro.
The kid in question, Eric Kilburn Jr., has struggled to find shoes that are able to fit him as he’s a shocking size 23. Size 22 shoes just won’t cut it for the JV football player, who’s suffered from many foot problems as a result of wearing them, including ingrown toenails, calluses, and blisters.
Following widespread reporting on Eric’s struggles, he’s now gotten attention from top sportswear companies, with Under Armour and PUMA both coming to the rescue. His mother, Rebecca, lamented to USA Today earlier this month before other outlets picked up the story. And Eric is now set for visits from the aforementioned companies, who will be sending reps to take measurements.
“It’s crazy,” the 14-year-old said, per USA Today. “I mean, I am going to be in comfortable-fitting cleats and shoes and I am astounded at the doors this has opened for me. I am excited to see where this goes. Thank you.”
“It’s been overwhelming,” his mom added. “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.”
Eric’s mostly had to suffer through smaller shoe sizes but has a pair that was custom-made through an orthopedic specialist. The only thing is they cost $1,500…
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The circumstances are very rare for a 14-year-old. Eric, a high school defensive tackle, is already 6ft 10in and his feet are bigger than that of NBA players.
Despite his unusual growth, his mother says he has no disorders and boasts a clean bill of health, as one might expect from someone of that age bearing such measurements.
This will be new territory for Under Armour, who will be taking a look at the biggest feet the company has ever had to make shoes for.
“We are in rarified space, there are not that many people in the world in these sizes,” Under Armour Senior Director of Footwear Development Robb Cropp said. “We had to help. We know the importance of sports to kids and their development.”
PUMA’s head of basketball operations Max Staiger can only attest to seeing two or three players with size 23 feet.
“There is no mold size for this, because it’s such a rarity from a mass production perspective,” he said. “What we will make looks and feels like a normal shoe, with just a little tweak. … We’ve done this before with no issue at all. $1,500 for any pair of shoes is almost insanity, I don’t care what size it is.”
Eric should have his custom shoes ready within the next 4-8 weeks. The football cleats might take a little longer but Cropp has vowed that they will be ready for the start of football season.
