Now maybe Igor can use some of the remaining money to buy himself some clothes. That is tough, as well. I don’t know whether the big and tall men’s stores carry clothes for men that tall. Mens clothes manufacturers are well behind those who make clothes for women. For example there are no places to go if you are a shorter man. Both my sons were 5’3″. There are petite sizes for women and for full figured ones. Good luck, Igor–you’re a nice guy.

The cost comes from having a 1000 or so kids in Rebok’s sweatshop to stop making other shoes to get these done. Have to pay for lost production.

Dale,

Only 3 people would be needed to make a pair of size 26 shoes. It is not that hard to cut raw materials and hand make some shoes.

US and Media. Start to get to know your neighbor more and don’t wait the media to tell you that your neighbor doesn’t have a shoe.

If not for Holly, he’d be still in those read-tad shoes!. Thanks Holly for getting the word out.

Congrats Holly on a great story- saw it on CNN!

Seems like some enterprising NBA or NFL team ought to step up and get this guy any corrective surgeries or footwear that he needs and then sign him up. Can you imagine trying to block him?

The take away from this story is that the government is not involved or needed in cases of special needs. The American people are the most generous and charitable in the world. Read this story to your progressive (big government worshipping) friends.

Simple it is “custom” which especially for a company like Reebok which likely has dedicated custom shoe designers who day to day design for athletes and are probably very expensive employees. Seeing as that is their typical custom customer it raises costs. Then you have to think about the custom process. Entirely designing a shoe which will sell one or two pairs and manufacturing that shoe without a production line. He would probably benefit a bit by asking NBA players if he can use their design. Or even getting their used shoes. I am 6’8″ and wear size 17. I have a friend who was a ball boy for the Nuggets. He would give me free shoes that the players left in the locker room for employees to take. Since small sizes were a rarity in this case, I benefited. Apparently most players wear the shoes for one or two games and then get a new pair. This could be a possibility as well for him. Although not too many basketball players match his height even.

Awesome that DrudgeReport ran this story. Since it posted on that site Igors contributions went through the roof. It is great to see that the American people are willing to help each other out when there is a need. Thanks to you CBS Minnesota for reporting this!

He should talk to shaq the basketball player I think he wears 24s

Thank you WCCO for making a difference for this nice college student. It was a great story and all the more interesting by choosing your smallest reporter to cover the story.

I am so proud of our neighbors generosity and Minnesota Nice! Come on Red Wing Shoes lets get this man some ankle supported boots!

Come on Redwing Shoe Company show your Minnesota pride. Donate some shoes for this guy.

http://www.thetallestman.com/igorvovkovinskiy.htm

These shoe companies are pathetic…. They pay athletes millions to endorse shoes yet they can’t help out a poor guy who clearly has unique needs.

I think if a cottage industry approach was made to this shoes could be produced for a tiny fraction of the projected cost. I would have a podiatrist make orthotics and a leather worker the uppers, soles and heels. The feet would be wrapped in cloth, then duct tape over the cloth then the duct tape/cloth cut off and used for patterns for the uppers.

what amazes me is the gall of Reebok to tell this man we can make you a pair of shoes but its going to cost 15K, you would think Reebok has made enough money making their product in china, viet Nam or anywhere else but AMERICA…. I will never buy another pair of Reeboks…. I think rebok makes the shoes for free to the athletes who wear them…

Gee how many thug basketball players get free shoes???

Classy move Reebok

I just came up with a great idea. The guy can get a job in an apple orchard picking the high ones. Hey, its a job, lots of fresh air and some nice exercise.

I have been trying to get this confirmed from Reebok, but I’m told by other shoemakers it’s because they have to do individual scans of his feet, and then create molds for each one which is very expensive – and then create the shoe. We are expecting an official response from Reebok next week. Good question.

Hello WCCO and Hello Mr.Vovkivinskiy. My name is Sylvia, my shop specializes in custom shoes and custom orthotics. I’m a Certified Pedorthist, a Certified Foot Nurse, a Diabetes Educator, I’m running a nationally accredited foot/footwear clinic. Our shoes are available in 1000′s of combinations from Kangaroo to snakeskin and everything in between and all made to your own feet in almost any imaginable color or trim. With these choices, I can’t imagine why special feet would need 15,000.00 cookie cutter shoes. Give me a call, (360) 582-3736 I would be happy to work with you. Sylvia A Thompson, RN,CFCN,CPED,DE – Owner/Founder The Well-Foot Clinic.

Rebook is ripping him off. If he really needs shoes,he can go to the India, to any of the Chinese Shoe Makers in New Delhi, or Calcutta, and more than likely have 10 – 15 pairs custom made to fit his feet in any design he desires.
In New Delhi some of the Chinese Shoe Makers are located in Khan Market.

Fact is that sneakers and the like are made of materials which will be unlikely to standup to much use if the foot is above about a size 17 or 18. Probably best to have a pair of real shoes made for him that will last awhile. Suggest RedWing or White brand shoes as their product really hold up and are will know for supporting hard working feet in tough environments (such as firemen, dock workers, etc.)

It has to do with time, material, skill and craftsmanship. There are many step (no pun intended) to making shoes. Initial diagnosis of pressure points and anomalies (an 8ft man must exert huge pressures on the material) . Making a form or plaster cast of the feet so you make a proper fitting shoe. Material used will alter the cost dramatically, longevity and usefulness of the end product. Finally, you need skilled craftsman to actually make them. I have had to have custom shoes made for over 40 years due to injuries. It is harder and harder to find a true cobbler. The craft is a dying art and the time needed to go from form to finished product on an individual basis is no longer cost friendly. My last pair of shoes (generally size 10) cost me over $700.

I believe you about as much as your neighbor who says you claim you keep Elvis locked up in the bedroom…….whats that about anyway? bedroom?