Heather McMahan Knows the Secret to Standing in Heels for Hours
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Heather-McMahan-82nd-Annual-Golden-Globe-Awards-2025-090425-d250e5fb8a3e48cd86c65d00e5783050.jpg)
Comedian Heather McMahan can do it all — co-host the Today show, headline a multi city comedy tour, and … work in a DSW? And she’s doing it all in heels!
The star popped by the brand’s flagship store in N.Y.C.’s Union Square ahead of their “Let Us Surprise You” campaign to film some content, help stock the shelves and do a little shopping of her own. (She’s already got the secret to scoring the best finds at a DSW, but unfortunately, it’s not one she can pass on to everybody.)
PEOPLE caught up with her for her funny take on shoe shopping, why you should never splurge and the real reason you’ll find plenty of T-shirts in her carry-on.
What was your best-ever purchase at a DSW store? My fabulous Jessica Simpson knee high bedazzled boots that I wear on tour!
What’s the secret to getting a really good find – do you know when do they unload the trucks or befriend an associate at the store? My local DSW sees me coming from a mile away. Being a size 11 I’m pretty lucky, don’t need to fight as many gals for the finds!
DSW
What’s your shoe philosophy now – will you still wear a heel? My shoe philosophy is wear too wear the most uncomfy heels for as long as possible and then slip into a Birkenstock or a chunky heel to bring some relief. Birkenstocks always save the day after a show or when I am on the red carpet.
What shoes do you splurge on and what do you always bargain hunt for? I really never splurge on shoes. I always bargain hunt because knowing me, they will get destroyed.
What’s your secret to standing in heels onstage for hours? Taylor Swift said it almost put her in traction doing it on tour – what could she learn from you? There is no secret except maybe an orthotic insert, but my back sometimes suffers.
You’re touring all the time – what’s your secret to packing well? How many shoes will you bring? What have you learned the hard way not to bring – or to never forget? Packing secret is to always have a few extra tees because I always spill BBQ sauce on the one I am wearing. Also, you can never have too many pairs of underwear. I always have my Show Me Your Mumu glitter showsuit, my Jessica Simpson boots and my Birks!
Whose style are you loving right now? What are you shopping for and what trend do you absolutely refuse to try? I refuse to buy barrel jeans! Jessica Chastain and Ayo Edebiri are always impeccable and can do no wrong.
Who do you think should be PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive this year (our 40th!)? My husband for always putting up with me and Glen Powell every year for the rest of eternity.
Credit to Nypost AND Peoples
