Missouri Teenager Struggles to Find Footwear for Size 23 Feet

Teenager Struggles with Finding Shoes for Size 23 Feet

Jor’el Bolden, a 16-year-old from Missouri, faces severe difficulty in finding footwear that fits his size 23 wide feet. Born with unusually large feet, Jor’el has had to manage with just one pair of shoes, purchased from eBay, which are now uncomfortably tight.

Mother's Challenge

His mother, Tamika Neal, recounts the challenge of finding suitable shoes for her 6-foot-5, 380-pound son, who has outgrown his current pair. Despite efforts to find size 22 shoes, they remain too small and uncomfortable for Jor’el.

Teenager's Struggle

The teenager, who dreams of wearing popular brands like Jordans and Nikes, describes his struggle as "torture," revealing that it even restricts his ability to enjoy simple activities like going to the movies. This footwear challenge isn't new for Jor’el – his mother faced similar difficulties finding baby shoes for him due to his large feet at birth.

Support and Hope

The family's plight has garnered attention, leading to a GoFundMe campaign that has raised nearly $10,000 to help Jor'el. Additionally, a local business owner plans to custom-make shoes for him, providing hope for a future with more comfortable and suitable footwear.

Similar Stories

Jor’el's story echoes that of another teenager with size 23 feet who received support from basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal and footwear companies to finally acquire shoes that fit, offering a glimmer of hope for Jor’el's footwear struggle.