Robert Pershing Wadlow also known as Alton Giant and the Giant of Illinois was the tallest man to ever live in recorded history. Though he died young at age 22, he developed an undying love for his family and the game of golf. He of course used custom clubs, but even more fascinating, he wore a size 37AAA custom made shoe which cost about $100 roughly $1,650 in today’s dollars.
Check out the detailed gallery below, then go stump your friends with some amazing trivia.
Robert standing next to a classmate at the age of 10. At 6′ 6 he towered over all the kids and 99% of adults.
Robert was already taller than his father at the age of 6 when he measured 6 feet. Dad was 5′ 11. This is Robert at 10.
Robert with Boxing legend, Primo Carnera, at age 12. Primo was 6′ 9 and Robert was 7′ 2.
Robert with his family in 1935. At 17, he was 8′ 1 and weighed 315lbs.
At the age of 18 he traveled around the country in the family car when he took a job as goodwill ambassador for the international shoe company. His father modified the car by removing the front passenger seat so that Robert could stretch his legs and sit in relative comfort.
At 18, he wore a size 37 shoe that was custom-made and cost $100 – roughly $1,650 in today’s dollars. When he became ambassador they were provided free of charge.
Robert’s size 37AAA shoes.
For comparison, next to a size 12 shoe.
Robert Wadlow at the Texas Centennial in 1936 posing with the “Sons of the Pioneers”
Robert with his family.
Robert with his family.
Robert with his family.
Robert with his mom and younger sister. (1938)
Robert aboard the Queen Mary after accepting an offer to be the star attraction at the Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus. He stipulated that he would only appear in engagements at Madison Square Garden and at the Boston Garden and that he would appear only two times a day for three minutes at a time. He demanded to be in the center ring, not the sideshow. He would wear only a plain business suit.
Movie star, Mary Pickford, being greeted at the St. Louis airport by Robert. At the age of 20, he got a cane because he had difficulty walking.
Robert Wadlow, 4th from left. In case you couldn’t tell.
Robert died on July 15, 1940 from a parasitic infection, he died in his sleep at age 22.