Wango Tango 2013 Shoe Moments: The Heels, Pumps, and Sandals That Defined the Orange Carpet

On May 11, 2013, at 102.7 KIIS FM’s Wango Tango at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California, the orange carpet delivered a vivid snapshot of early-2010s celebrity style—where bold footwear often did more of the talking than the outfits themselves.

Ariana Grande adds height with gold platform pumps, Jason Derulo keeps it casual in red sneakers, and Jordin Sparks stuns in neon pink strappy heels at the 2013 Wango Tango in Los Angeles (Credit: FayesVision / Apega / WENN / Nikki Nelson)

More than a concert lineup headlined by chart-topping performers, Wango Tango has long functioned as a proving ground for statement shoes.

From studded pumps and spiked stilettos to neon sandals and metallic heels, the event consistently highlights how footwear can sharpen, soften, or completely redefine a look. What stands out years later isn’t just the energy of the night, but how confidently these celebrities used shoes to anchor their style moments—many of which remain instantly recognizable today.

This edition breaks down the most memorable shoe moments from Wango Tango 2013, spotlighting the heels and sandals that captured the era’s fearless approach to fashion.

1. Bridgit Mendler Makes an Edge-Forward Statement in Monika Chiang “Croc Mohawk” Pumps

Monika Chiang’s heels were having a real celebrity moment around this time, showing up repeatedly in our coverage.

We spotted four pairs of Monika Chiang heels at Eve’s “Lip Lock” listening party, and we’d also highlighted the designer on Ashley Benson and Louise Roe.

Early on, Angela Simmons was one of the first celebrities we noticed wearing the brand—helpful context for why Bridgit Mendler’s “Croc Mohawk” pumps felt instantly on-trend at Wango Tango 2013.

Bridgit Mendler wore a shark print Maje t-shirt at the 2013 Wango Tango presented by 102.7 KIIS FM at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California, on May 11, 2013

At the 2013 Wango Tango, Bridgit Mendler wore the same pumps as Angela. These black leather pumps are rocking, so we weren’t surprised to see them at the event.

Bridgit Mendler makes a bold statement at Wango Tango 2013, pairing a striking shark-print Maje top with sleek white Joe’s jeans, studded side panels, and edgy black Monika Chiang ‘Croc Mohawk’ pumps

They feature metal detail at the toe, intriguing croc-embossed leather spikes, and metal stiletto heels measuring about 4 inches.

Bridgit Mendler reveals toe cleavage in black high heels

Bridgit Mendler steps out in Monika Chiang “Croc Mohawk” pumps, with croc-embossed leather and spiked heel detailing giving the classic black silhouette a sharp, statement-making edge

Love her shoes? You can get them in two variations:

Black Monika Chiang Croc Mohawk Pumps, $495

Gray Monika Chiang Croc Mohawk Pumps, $495

2. Victoria Justice Keeps It Polished in Steve Madden “Realove” Sandals

Victoria Justice styled her black-and-white hi-low Guess dress with versatile black Steve Madden sandals.

Victoria Justice stuns in a black-and-white abstract tie-dye Guess high-low dress, cinched at the waist for a flattering silhouette, paired with strappy black Steve Madden ‘Realove’ sandals

Her shoes are made of leather and feature front straps and sexy ankle straps.

Victoria Justice finishes her look with black Steve Madden “Realove” sandals, their slim ankle straps and clean lines lending a polished, easy elegance to the orange-carpet moment

Want a pair of sandals you can easily grab and go, no matter what you’re wearing? If so, you should consider Victoria’s sandals. They are available in a wide range of colors:

Steve Madden Realove Sandals in Black, $52.99 – $65.00

3. Demi Lovato Channels Rock Chic in Saint Laurent “Janis Clous Escarpin” Pumps

Demi Lovato embraces edgy elegance in a sheer black tunic layered over a sequined bustier and fitted Topshop leggings, finishing the look with studded Saint Laurent ‘Janis Clous Escarpin’ pumps

Demi Lovato was rocking in a bustier and fitted Topshop pants with a see-through tunic. Her sleek hairstyle complemented the edgy aesthetic. She finished the look with classic, stud-embellished Saint Laurent pumps.

Demi Lovato steps out in stud-embellished Saint Laurent “Janis Clous Escarpin” pumps, with the sleek platform silhouette and subtle metal detailing reinforcing her rocker-chic edge

Their pointy toes, 1-inch beveled platforms, and 4-inch square heels add the edge factor. The studs are barely visible because they’re embellished on the inside of each heel.

Saint Laurent Classic Janis Clous Escarpin Pumps, $895

4. Britney Spears Brings Classic Glamour in Gold Saint Laurent “Janis Escarpin” Pumps

Spotted in another pair of Saint Laurent pumps was the night’s special guest co-host, Britney Spears.

Britney Spears exudes classic glamour in a sleek one-shoulder black bodycon dress, pairing it with metallic gold Saint Laurent Janis Escarpin pumps

Her textured metallic gold “Janis Escarpin” pumps feature pleats on each vamp. The 4-inch square suspended high heels are not studded.

Britney Spears steps out in textured metallic gold Saint Laurent pumps, with pleated detailing at the toe drawing attention to her foot tattoo and adding depth to the sleek, high-shine silhouette

While the metallic pumps perfectly complemented Britney’s sleek little black dress, moments like this also highlight how polished footwear—and well-cared-for feet—work together to elevate a red-carpet look year-round.

Saint Laurent Classic Pleated Janis Escarpin Pumps, $895

5. Kendall Jenner Sharpens Her Street Style With Christian Louboutin “Pigalle Spikes”

Kendall Jenner was casual and chic in a muscle tank, denim/leather pants, and Christian Louboutin pumps.

Kendall Jenner keeps it effortlessly cool in a graphic muscle tank paired with sleek black leather-paneled leggings, completing the edgy look with spiked Christian Louboutin ‘Pigalle Spikes’ pumps

Her spiked Louboutins are a celebrity favorite and were perfect for the event.

Kendall Jenner steps onto the orange carpet in black Christian Louboutin “Pigalle Spikes” pumps, letting the sharp studs and sky-high heels add edge and attitude to her streamlined look

In September 2013, Aubrey Plaza paired her “Pigalle Spikes” with a knee-length black dress from Pierre Balmain at the L.A. premiere of Kill Your Darlings.

Christian Louboutin Pigalle Spikes 120 Studded Leather Pumps, $1,095

Christian Louboutin Pigalle Spikes Fluorescent Patent Red-Sole Pumps, $1,295

6. Kylie Jenner Pops in Red Alexander Wang “Aminata” Sandals

Kendall’s younger sister, Kylie, looked sexy in a black cropped top and jeans. Her red lip shade and matching red heels made her look tough yet seductive. Her heels, which are by Alexander Wang, are drool-worthy!

Kylie Jenner serves a sleek monochrome moment in a black cropped turtleneck and high-waisted skinny jeans, adding a bold pop of color with striking red Alexander Wang ‘Aminata’ sandals

Kylie’s shoes feature dual ankle straps in lizard-print leather, and each has a gold-toned buckle fastening. The thinner strap has the buckle detail on the outer side, while the wider strap is on the inner side.

Kylie Jenner adds a bold pop of color with red Alexander Wang “Aminata” sandals, their dual ankle straps and block heels standing out sharply against the orange carpet

Interesting, right? Her heels also boast open toes and self-covered block heels measuring about 4 1/2 inches.

Alexander Wang Aminata Sandals in Red, $625

Alexander Wang Aminata Sandals in Black, $625

7. Avril Lavigne Leans Into Punk Energy With Studded Platform Pumps

Avril Lavigne looked effortlessly chic at the event. Her dark eye makeup says it all, but to look even more rocking, she wore a sequined vest and glittery pants. Additionally, she brought out her studded pumps.

Avril Lavigne rocks her signature edgy-glam style in a sequined biker vest layered over an all-black ensemble, finishing the look with studded platform pumps for a bold, rebellious touch

Her statement shoes feature studs on patent cap toes, heel counters, platforms, and stiletto heels.

Avril Lavigne grounds her edgy look with black studded platform heels, their spiked detailing and towering silhouette amplifying the outfit’s punk-inspired attitude

8. Cheryl Burke Goes Rocker-Chic in Alexander McQueen Skull Booties

Cheryl Burke brings rocker-chic vibes in a knotted KISS graphic tank paired with metallic silver skinny jeans, completing the bold look with edgy black Alexander McQueen peep-toe booties

Best known for being one of the professional dancers on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, Cheryl Burke showed a sexy but tough-chic look by wearing a tank top, metallic pants, and Alexander McQueen boots.

Cheryl Burke completes her rocker-chic look in black Alexander McQueen peep-toe booties, with skull-zipper details and cutout fronts adding an edgy finish against the orange carpet

Her edgy boots feature front zipper fastenings, each with jagged zippered edging and a skull pull. A zipper detail is also around each heel counter. This pair also has cone heels that measure about 5 inches.

Alexander McQueen Cutout Zippers & Skull Boots

9. Jordin Sparks Brightens the Carpet in Neon Jimmy Choo “Lance” Sandals

I couldn’t imagine Jordin Sparks in a rock star outfit, and I don’t think it would look good on her. So I am happy that she didn’t even try.

Jordin Sparks keeps it effortlessly chic in a black-and-white printed romper, adding a pop of color with vibrant neon pink Jimmy Choo ‘Lance’ sandals and a sleek neutral clutch

Her strappy neon sandals by Jimmy Choo feature double ankle straps made of patent leather.

Jordin Sparks brightens the look with neon Jimmy Choo “Lance” sandals, their crisscross ankle straps and vivid hue delivering a bold, early-2010s pop against the dark carpet

Love Jordin’s Jimmy Choos? You can also get them in neon yellow at Farfetch:

Jimmy Choo Lance Fuchsia Neon Patent Leather Sandals, $795

Jimmy Choo Lance Yellow Neon Patent Leather Sandals, $795

10. Golnesa “GG” Gharachedaghi Elevates Casual Glam With Schutz “Iris” Sandals

In March, we featured the Schutz “Iris” sandals, which we said could be cheaper than Giuseppe Zanotti’s. Golnesa was spotted wearing them at the event, and boy, did she look good in them.

Golnesa ‘GG’ Gharachedaghi masters laid-back glamour in a fitted white tank and slouchy olive joggers, elevating the look with gold-accented Schutz ‘Iris’ shark tooth sandals and layered jewelry

Best known for starring on “Shahs of Sunset,” Bravo’s reality TV series, she was very relaxed in her ensemble, and the heels gave her look elegance.

Golnesa “GG” Gharachedaghi finishes her laid-back look with black Schutz “Iris” sandals, their gold shark-tooth studs wrapping the ankle and drawing attention to the bold, statement-making design

Her suede shoes are studded with gold-tone metal pieces resembling shark teeth.

Schutz “Iris” Shark Tooth Sandals, $230

More Wango Tango Shoe Moments That Defined the Orange Carpet

Wango Tango has consistently delivered standout footwear—from neon statement sandals to sky-high platforms and studded pumps that captured the spirit of their era. If you love revisiting celebrity shoe moments from this iconic music event, explore more fashion-forward appearances below.