Howie Mandel has officially joined Team Skechers after an amusing encounter at a Los Angeles-area Skechers store. The comedian and host of America’s Got Talent was caught on camera trying to snag a discount on his favorite pair of Skechers Hands-Free Slip-ins by claiming he was a Skechers ambassador—despite not officially holding the title. The brand decided to turn the candid moment into an opportunity, extending Mandel a genuine invitation to become an ambassador.
“What can I say—they caught me red-handed because I was thinking with my feet,” joked Mandel. “This is penance for trying to get away with that discount—but honestly, their comfort is worth it.” Mandel, a long-time fan of the brand, couldn’t resist the comfort and convenience of Skechers Hands-Free Slip-ins, and now, he’ll be the face of their latest marketing campaign.
Skechers CEO Robert Greenberg, who was sent a photo of Mandel at the store, immediately saw the potential for a partnership. “America’s got Skechers—and now Skechers has Howie Mandel! The way we found him buying our new Skechers Hands-Free Slip-ins was so funny, we’re making it his inaugural Skechers campaign,” said Greenberg, emphasizing the brand’s excitement about the collaboration.
Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers, echoed the enthusiasm, highlighting Mandel’s appeal. “Howie’s a remarkable judge of great performers—and we're elated to be his top choice for comfort that performs,” said Greenberg. “Through decades of comedy and charisma, he possesses a magnetic personality that has endeared him to millions. We're glad that his life has changed for the better since discovering our Skechers Hands-Free Slip-ins and that he wants to share our message of comfort with the world.”
For Mandel, the partnership is more than just business—it’s personal. “Skechers Hands-Free Slip-ins technology is unparalleled,” he added. “Their styles are so comfortable and with so many designs, they work everywhere I go. The brand’s even made footwear more accessible and convenient for me and my OCD, removing the need to touch them since I can just slip in and go. This partnership is a great way to show the world how Skechers Hands-Free Slip-ins simplifies day-to-day life for others, just like they've done for me.”
Mandel’s career spans multiple facets of entertainment, from his iconic voice work as Gizmo in Gremlins to his role as Dr. Wayne Fiscus in the NBC medical drama St. Elsewhere. He’s best known as the host of the hit game show Deal or No Deal and has been a judge on NBC’s America’s Got Talent since 2010, as well as Citytv’s Canada’s Got Talent since 2022. Now, as a Skechers ambassador, Mandel joins an impressive roster of global icons, including Snoop Dogg, Martha Stewart, Amanda Kloots, and Tony Romo, among others.
Mandel will likely continue to appear in Skechers marketing campaigns and possibly even create his footwear collections in the future. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app for more updates on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via Skechers
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
