When you think of NBA players, towering height and elite athleticism probably come to mind. But another impressive and often overlooked stat is shoe size. Some of the league’s most iconic players also boast some of the largest feet in basketball history. Let’s dive into the Top 5 NBA players with the biggest shoe sizes and discover how their massive feet played a role in their on-court dominance.
It’s no surprise that Shaquille O’Neal, famously known as Shaq, tops this list. At over 7 feet tall and weighing more than 300 pounds during his playing days, Shaq’s physical presence was unmatched. His size 22 shoes are among the largest ever worn in the NBA.
Shaq used his gigantic frame and equally enormous feet to dominate the paint, becoming one of the most unstoppable centers in NBA history. Even in retirement, he remains a larger-than-life figure both figuratively and literally.
The late Bob Lanier shared the same shoe size as Shaq – a whopping size 22. Playing primarily for the Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks during the 1970s and 80s, Lanier was a powerhouse in the post.
In fact, Lanier’s shoes were so big that one of them is displayed at the NBA Hall of Fame. His legendary size was just one part of his dominance, with career averages of 20.1 points and 10.1 rebounds per game.
The Lopez twins, Brook and Robin, not only share DNA and a love for comic books but also a shoe size – both wear size 20. These towering seven-footers have made a name for themselves as skilled big men with excellent footwork and a knack for shot-blocking.
Their massive shoe size gives them the stability needed for playing tough interior defense and executing post plays. Whether it’s Brook stretching the floor with his jump shot or Robin patrolling the paint, their size 20 shoes support every move.
While not the largest on this list, Yao Ming’s size 18 shoes are still impressive—especially considering his towering height of 7’6” (2.28 meters).
The former Houston Rockets star was a global sensation, especially in Asia. Known for his gentle demeanor off the court and fierce competitiveness on it, Yao combined size and skill to become one of the best centers of his generation. His shoe size, though slightly smaller than others on this list, still speaks to his unique build.
Rounding out our list is DeAndre Jordan, a dominant presence for the Clippers, Nets, Mavericks, and Lakers. Wearing size 18 shoes, Jordan is known for his powerful dunks, shot-blocking, and rebounding skills.
His large feet offer the foundation needed to elevate above the rim and anchor himself defensively. A key contributor to several playoff teams, Jordan’s size and athleticism have kept him relevant throughout his career.
In the NBA, big feet can mean big impact. Whether it’s backing down defenders, grabbing boards, or throwing down monstrous dunks, these players use every inch — and every size — to their advantage. Shoe size may not win games on its own, but it certainly helps when you’re supporting a 7-foot-plus frame with world-class athleticism.
From Shaq’s size 22s to Yao Ming’s size 18s, these NBA stars prove that greatness comes in large sizes.
