James Syiemiong stands next to a pair of leather loafers which he claims are the world's largest. Syiemiong hopes the shoes will "bring a smile" to the faces of children of the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks. (AP Photo)

Indian man creates world's largest pair of leather loafers

By Associated Press, 04/08/02

SHILLONG, India -- James Syiemiong has big shoes to fill.

Syiemiong, a 30-year-old college dropout who went into the family shoemaking business, has crafted what he believes is the world's largest pair of leather loafers, measuring 4.06 yards long and 1.24 yards wide.

Syiemiong said he "wanted to bring a smile" to the faces of children of the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks. He inscribed the soles of the shoes with the word "terror" -- because terrorism "needs to be trampled," he said.

Syiemiong said he hoped the giant shoes, which took a month to make and weigh about 220 pounds, will earn him a place in the record books.

The current record for the world's biggest shoes belongs to a pair 3.41 yards long cobbled by Zahit Okurla of Turkmenistan, according to documents sent to Syiemiong by Guinness Book of Records officials.

Shillong is a town about 900 miles east of New Delhi, India's capital.