Last Updated on May 13, 2025 by Andy Walker
In basketball, size often translates to power. That’s true not just in height and reach—but in shoe size too. Some NBA players wear sneakers so large that they need to be custom-manufactured and specially reinforced. These aren’t just performance shoes; they’re feats of engineering.
Whether for balance, shock absorption, or ankle stability, these size 18-and-up sneakers are essential to the careers of some of the league’s biggest stars. From Shaquille O’Neal to Tacko Fall, here’s an inside look at the NBA’s largest feet—and the stories behind them.
See also: Basketball shoes for wide feet and Best Adidas Baskeball Shoes
Giant Feet, Giant Legends
Shaquille O’Neal’s size 22 feet are practically legendary. Reebok made custom molds just to accommodate the former Lakers star’s enormous footprint, and Shaq famously once took off a shoe on live TV that looked more like a small canoe than a sneaker.
But Shaq isn’t alone. Bob Lanier, a Hall-of-Famer from the 1970s, also wore a size 22. In fact, the Basketball Hall of Fame displayed his game-worn sneakers for years because of their jaw-dropping scale. A pair of Lanier’s signed shoes once sold at auction for $21,000, proving that fans find big shoes just as collectible as jerseys or balls.
Then there’s Tacko Fall, who at 7’6″ has the same shoe size as Shaq, but a very different style of play. Fall, more reserved and analytical, described his custom Nike PEs as feeling like “boats with springs.”
Surprisingly, Yao Ming, also 7’6″, wore a size 18—relatively modest for someone his height. His streamlined Nike sneakers were built for agility more than bulk, which matched his smooth midrange game.
Comparison Table: NBA’s Biggest Shoe Sizes
Athlete | Position | Shoe Size | Height | Weight | Signature Brand/Model | Link to Buy Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Shaquille O’Neal | Center | 22 | 7’1″ | 325 lbs | Reebok Shaq Attaq | |
Yao Ming | Center | 18 | 7’6″ | 310 lbs | Nike Air Force PE | |
Bob Lanier | Center | 22 | 6’11” | 250 lbs | Converse Custom | Rare collector’s item (no current model) – ALso see Converse shoes |
Tacko Fall | Center | 22 | 7’6″ | 311 lbs | Nike Custom PE | |
Kevin Durant | Forward | 18 | 6’10” | 240 lbs | Nike KD Series (KD 17) | |
Brook Lopez | Center | 20 | 7’0″ | 280 lbs | Adidas Custom PE | |
Robin Lopez | Center | 20 | 7’0″ | 281 lbs | Adidas Custom PE | |
DeAndre Jordan | Center | 18 | 6’11” | 265 lbs | Nike Hyperdunk / Zoom PE | |
Dwight Howard | Center | 18 | 6’10” | 265 lbs | Peak DH Signature Series |
Shoe Stories from the Hardwood
Shaq’s size 22s once startled a TSA agent during airport security when he placed them in the scanner—”We’re going to need a bigger bin,” the agent allegedly joked.
Bob Lanier was known to joke that his shoes were so big, “they had their own area code.”
As a teen, Tacko Fall couldn’t find sneakers in Senegal that fit, so he often played barefoot or with sandals reinforced by his uncle using rubber ties.
Kevin Durant has acknowledged his shoe size appears deceptively small due to his slim build, even though he also wears an 18.
These stories remind us that behind every giant shoe is a player who had to find clever ways to fit into a world built for average feet.
Frequently Asked Questions About NBA Shoe Sizes
Here are answers to common questions fans ask about massive NBA sneakers and the players who wear them.
A pair of Bob Lanier’s signed game-worn Converse sneakers sold at auction for around $21,000 due to their size and historical value.
Shaquille O’Neal, Bob Lanier, and Tacko Fall all wore size 22s—tied for the largest official NBA shoe size on record.
Companies like Nike and Reebok create custom molds for each player, often using 3D scanning and biomechanics testing to ensure proper fit, support, and performance.
No. Signature athletes typically receive shoes free as part of their endorsement contracts. Even unsigned players get shoes provided by their teams or equipment sponsors.
Rarely. Some replica models exist online (especially Shaq’s), but most size 22s are custom builds unavailable to the general public. Typically brand sell sizes up to 18. See size 18 basketball shoes
Shaq famously walked away from Nike after a woman criticized him for endorsing expensive shoes. He later launched his own affordable shoe line through Walmart and Reebok.
Indirectly. Large feet help with balance and power, but poor fit or lack of support can lead to injury. That’s why custom engineering is critical.
Yes. Many youth athletes with large feet rely on donations, special orders, or charitable programs to get gear in their size.
The average NBA shoe size is around 14 or 15, depending on the era and player demographics.
Kevin Durant (6’10”) wears size 18. LeBron James (6’9″) wears size 15. Both are known for power and precision, aided by perfectly tuned footwear.
