Robin Wright was 28 years old when she delivered her career-defining performance as Jenny Curran in Forrest Gump. This role not only earned her critical acclaim but also gave cinema one of its most iconic shoe moments.
Born on April 8, 1966, Wright was 27 when filming began in 1993. Standing at 5ft 5 (165.1 cm) with a US shoe size 8.5, she has long been admired for her statuesque presence and elegant footwear choices on the red carpet.
As House of Cards reached its sixth and final season, Robin Wright carried her signature minimalist elegance onto the red carpet.
Robin Wright exudes sharp sophistication in a Saint Laurent suit, pairing it with strappy Saint Laurent sandals that added sleek polish to her House of Cards Season 6 premiere look on October 22, 2018 (Credit)
Her nuanced portrayal of Jenny, a character who ages across several decades, resonated with audiences and critics alike, ultimately earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Just as memorable as her performance was the symbolic gift of Nike Cortez sneakers she gives Forrest—a scene that cemented both Wright and the shoes into pop-culture history. Off-screen, she continued her fashion legacy with standout shoe moments, such as her dazzling Stuart Weitzman heels at the Emmy Awards.
Robin Wright was cast as Jenny Curran in Forrest Gump after Jodie Foster, Nicole Kidman, and Demi Moore turned down the role (Credit: Paramount Pictures)
Jenny’s Iconic Nike Cortez Gift: A Defining Shoe Moment in Cinema
Jenny’s fashion and shoe choices in the film are as symbolic as her dialogue. When Forrest returns from the military, she gifts him the now-legendary Nike Cortez sneakers, telling him, “And they’re just for running.”
This seemingly simple gesture became one of cinema’s most famous shoe moments, referenced even today as a symbol of endurance, love, and life’s journey. Forrest’s three-year run across America is done almost entirely in those shoes—worn down, dirtied, and forever tied to Jenny.
Robin Wright as Jenny Curran gifts Tom Hanks’s Forrest Gump a pair of Nike Cortez sneakers—an unforgettable shoe moment that became a symbol of endurance, love, and one of the most iconic footwear scenes in cinema history (Credit: Paramount Pictures)
While Wright is best remembered for Jenny, her breakout actually came earlier as Princess Buttercup in The Princess Bride. Still, Jenny’s look—fragile, bohemian, rebellious, and ultimately redeemed—defined a generational archetype of the “lost soul” and influenced how audiences connected with her character through fashion.
Jenny’s Style Journey: A Fashion Timeline
- Childhood Innocence: Simple white dresses and modest shoes symbolize purity against the harshness of her home life.
- College Years: A shift to structured but understated outfits as she begins to explore independence.
- Hippie Era: Flowing maxi dresses, fringe jackets, flower crowns, and barefoot scenes highlight her free-spirited rebellion.
- Downward Spiral: As Jenny struggles with drugs and instability, her clothing becomes more disheveled and unkempt, mirroring her inner turmoil.
- Finding Peace: In later life, Jenny cuts her hair short and wears practical, everyday shoes and uniforms, signaling stability and acceptance.
Robin Wright as Jenny Curran sits barefoot beside Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump, her undone appearance and lack of shoes underscoring Jenny’s vulnerability and free-spirited nature (Credit: Paramount Pictures)
The Role of Shoes
Jenny’s barefoot moments—most memorably her walk into the Reflecting Pool—symbolize both vulnerability and a yearning for freedom.
Later, her shift to practical footwear reflects her search for stability and a return to a grounded life. In many ways, Jenny’s evolving shoe choices act as visual storytelling, paralleling Wright’s nuanced performance.
Off-screen, Robin Wright’s own fashion journey had a significant impact, with her red-carpet appearances showcasing her sophistication and bold approach to style.
Red Carpet Glamour: Wright at the Emmy Awards
Robin Wright sparkled at the Emmy Awards in a shimmering silver gown with a daring thigh-high slit, pairing the bold look with strappy black Stuart Weitzman platform sandals that added height and edge to her red-carpet glamour
In September 2016, Robin Wright ditched her character Claire Underwood’s sophisticated and monochrome sense of style for the 2016 Emmy Awards.
The then-50-year-old actress opted for something much flashier and sexier, donning a sparkling silver gown and strappy sandals for the awards show.
Robin Wright looked radiant in a dazzling gold Reem Acra gown adorned with black lacing, effortlessly showcasing her flawless figure
Wright earned a well-deserved nomination for Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her commanding performance in Netflix’s House of Cards.
While she didn’t take home the trophy that year, the recognition cemented her status as one of television’s most respected leading ladies.
Robin Wright was an absolute vision of glamour and elegance at the 68th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles on September 18, 2016 (Credit: FayesVision / Nicky Nelson / WENN)
Steal the Spotlight: Wright’s Fashion Choices
Robin sparkled on the red carpet before the show and stole the spotlight in her glittering gown by Reem Acra. This silver number featured a thigh-high slit, spaghetti straps, and a loose bodice dipped low on her chest to reveal sexy black lace underneath.
She adorned her wrist with Chopard jewels and carried a Tyler Ellis clutch. Robin swept her short blonde locks to one side, looking elegant and stylish as she headed into the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
Robin chose a pair of towering black platform “Bebare” sandals by Stuart Weitzman to add some extra edge to the look.
These shoes feature thin, crossed-toe straps, caged heels, and adjustable ankle straps. They are made of satin and feature a slight height with 4.7-inch self-covered stiletto heels and approximately one-inch platforms.
Robin Wright showcased her feet in sky-high black Stuart Weitzman heels, which perfectly complemented her shimmery gown
A regular at the Emmy Awards, three years later Robin Wright wore a plunging, pleated white Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello gown.
The dress featured a high slit and a braided black belt at the waist. She accessorized with Nikos Koulis’ white gold emerald-cut diamond earrings.
Robin Wright wearing a Saint Laurent dress at the 2019 Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on September 22, 2019