Russian strength athlete Andrey Smaev, known online as the “Russian Hulk,” recently addressed speculation about his unusually large feet during an interview with Big Russian Bro.
The 148 kg (326 lbs) athlete revealed that his shoe size of 47–48 European (approximately US size 13–14) continues to expand, but he firmly pushed back against claims that human growth hormone (HGH) is the primary reason.
“Even before I used HGH, my feet were growing every year,” Smaev said plainly when asked about the connection between PEDs and his increasing shoe size.
He admitted that HGH might have some effect, but downplayed its impact: “Maybe it adds a little bit, but not much. Even when I’m not using it, I still have to buy new shoes twice a year.”
According to Smaev, his feet have been steadily growing throughout his training career, regardless of supplement use. “Maybe it’s because I’ve gained so much weight,” he suggested as a possible explanation. He also described his feet as very wide, saying they’re “extre mely wide, probably three or four sizes wider than normal.”
The ongoing growth has created practical problems. “I wear my shoes until they start tearing apart,” he explained, referencing the visible splits in his current pair. The pressure from his widening feet often causes the material to crack, forcing him to replace them frequently.
Smaev also shared an unconventional solution to his footwear struggles. “When I’m in the countryside, I don’t wear shoes at all. I just run and walk barefoot, on stones, on grass, even down to the river,” he said. Although he admitted he occasionally cuts his feet on broken glass or debris, he insists the approach works for him.
Unlike many bodybuilders who collect large shoe collections, Smaev keeps things minimal. “A lot of bodybuilders have entire rooms full of shoes. I don’t. I just buy one or two pairs,” he said.
He even made a lighthearted appeal during the interview: “If anyone watching owns a shoe company, maybe you can send me a really big pair.”
During the same interview, he measured his arms at 61 cm (24 inches) before training and discussed working out twice a day while consuming an estimated 8,000–9,000 calories during regular training periods.
Beyond the discussion about HGH and foot growth, Smaev also gave a detailed breakdown of his supplement and performance stack.
Smaev explained that his supplement approach changes depending on the type of workout.
“If I’m training for pump, I use a lot of supplements: citrulline, citrulline malate, agmatine sulfate, glycerol powder, things like that,” he said.
However, for pure strength sessions, he simplifies it. “If it’s strength training, we only use stimulants for the brain: caffeine and things like that. For strength, you don’t need a big pump.”
During the filmed workout, he demonstrated a pump-focused combination, mixing multiple pre-workouts.
“How much do we take? One scoop, like the instructions say,” he said, emphasizing he follows standard serving sizes.
Smaev also confirmed creatine is a staple in his routine. “Of course I use creatine: before and after training,” he said, indicating he takes it both pre- and post-workout.
Before training, Smaev applies a topical product from Thailand aimed at supporting joints and connective tissue. “It’s for ligaments and joints before training,” he explained. “You apply it, you don’t drink it.”
He stressed that joint health is more important than aesthetics in the long run. “No supplement will save you when you’re old,” Smaev said. “If you want to stay healthy, protect your elbows, knees, ligaments, and joints. You want to live your life, and with a lot of injuries, that’s very hard.”
Smaev also explained how his supplements support his high-volume training style.
“When we train for volume, we don’t use very heavy weights,” he said. “We use medium weights, high reps. And with pump supplements, the muscles fill with blood. Then the workout becomes very hard.”
He sees supplementation as something that supports progression, not replaces effort. “As I gain weight and become stronger in different movements, I become stronger overall,” he explained.
[Editor’s note: Quotes have been edited for readability and clarity.]
