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Shaquille O’Neal is making his mark on a new generation. At a Dallas Cowboys game on Sept. 15, the retired NBA icon took the time to sign the shoe of a young fan wearing a pair of his Shaq sneakers — in a miniature size compared to his size 22.
O’Neal left his signature on the sneaker and gave the toddler a hug. The athlete shared the video to his social media in a joint post with @hotfreestyle.
In just a few moments, O’Neal greatly increased the value of this particular pair of his Boys’ Shaq Infant and Toddler Whistle Basketball Shoes, which can currently be purchased from Shoe Carnival for $24.98, marked down from $34.99.
In a red, white, black and gray colorway, the shoes feature a faux leather upper, lace-up closure, a cushioned insole and a padded collar and tongue, among other features. Shaq branding includes the athlete’s famous nickname written in capital letters across the tongue and a silhouette of O’Neal dunking.
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A description of the shoes reads, “Gear up your little ballers with the Shaq Whistle Basketball Shoes. These shoes are not just for play; they’re a statement of style for the youngest members of your basketball squad. Featuring the iconic Shaq logo and a sleek design, these basketball shoes are perfect for toddlers who want to dribble, shoot, and score in coolness.”
Shaq has also offered his kindness to Eric Kilman, Jr., the six-foot-eleven high schooler who was recently named the teenager with the largest hands and feet for the 2025 Guinness World Records. Kilman told Guinness World Records that O’Neal sent Kilman “giant Fed Ex boxes full of clothes, shoes, all sorts of stuff that we needed,” amid his struggle to find shoes that fit. These items ranged from Shaq Attaq sneakers to Louis Vuitton boots.
In addition to his charitable actions, O’Neal also serves as president of Reebok basketball, the brand which introduced his Shaq Attaq signature sneaker.
