Archaeologists have unearthed an enormous leather shoe while digging at the bottom of an “ankle-breaker” defensive ditch at a Roman fort in northern England. It measures 12.6 inches (32cm) which is equivalent to a US size 14, UK size 13 [1024×576]

After the construction of Hadrian’s Wall, built around A.D. 122 to demarcate the northern extent of the Roman Empire, the Roman army took over and expanded small forts in Britain. Magna — also known as Carvoran — is part of this series of forts along the wall. It is situated about 7 miles (11 kilometers) west of Vindolanda, the large Roman auxiliary fort that’s well known for the remarkable preservation of writing tablets, military medals and leather shoes.

In late March, archaeologists began excavating the defensive ditches, banks and ramparts outside the north wall of Magna. According to Magna Project senior archaeologist Rachel Frame, at the bottom of one ditch, they discovered an “ankle-breaker” — a narrow, deep trench that, when obscured by water, would cause an enemy soldier to catch his foot, which would then break his ankle and trap him. Within the ditch, the archaeologists and volunteers discovered three shoes and scrap leather that were preserved for centuries by the oxygen-free environment. [Source](https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/romans/one-roman-soldier-had-enormous-feet-2-000-year-old-waterlogged-leather-shoe-reveals)

That would put the owner at about 6’4” (190 cm). With the average male being about 5’7” (170 cm) for the time, that’s one BIG dude.