Skechers signed Howie Mandel, the comedian and host of America’s Got Talent, in a Los Angeles-area Skechers store when he tried to get a discount on a pair of Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins, claiming he was a Skechers ambassador—when he wasn’t.

Mandel was caught on camera, which resulted in the brand officially inviting him to join “Team Skechers” and appear in a Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins marketing campaign, watch here or click on the image below, inspired by the pair he tried to grab in-store at a discount.

“What can I say—they caught me red-handed because I was thinking with my feet. This is penance for trying to get away with that discount—but honestly, their comfort is worth it,” said Mandel. “I’ve been a devoted fan of the brand for years, so the thought of shooting Skechers ads in Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins—and having a new footwear wardrobe—is the kind of payback I’m thrilled to have.”

“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 Skechers CEO Robert Greenberg, who was sent a photo of Mandel at the Skechers store purchasing his Slip-ins styles, and promptly signed him to join the Skechers team.

“Howie’s a remarkable judge of great performers—and we’re elated to be his top choice for comfort that performs,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers. “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.”

Added Mandel, “Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins technology is unparalleled. Their styles are so comfortable, and with so many designs, they work everywhere I go. The brand 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 simplify day-to-day life for others, just like they’ve done for me.”

A comedian, television personality, actor, and producer, Mandel’s wide-ranging career includes the voice of Gizmo in Gremlins and Gremlins 2: The New Batch, the role of ER resident Dr. Wayne Fiscus on the NBC medical drama St. Elsewhere and creator and star of the Fox children’s cartoon Bobby’s World. The longtime host of the game show Deal or No Deal, he has been a judge on NBC’s America’s Got Talent since 2010 and Citytv’s Canada’s Got Talent since 2022.

Mandel joins a team of global Skechers ambassadors—from music icon Snoop Dogg, lifestyle legend Martha Stewart, and TV and fitness personalities Amanda Kloots and Brooke Burke to former professional athletes, including Tony Romo, Howie Long and Sugar Ray Leonard. The roster of elite pros around the world competing in Skechers footwear includes NBA basketball players Joel Embiid, Julius Randle and Terance Mann; golfers Matt Fitzpatrick and Brooke Henderson; soccer players Harry Kane, Mohammed Kudus and Oleksandr Zinchenko; baseball players Clayton Kershaw, Aaron Nola, Chris Taylor and Brendan Donovan; and pickleball pros Tyson McGuffin and Catherine Parenteau.

Images and Video courtesy Skechers