Kate Mara Proves Why the Jimmy Choo “Minny” is the Ultimate Red Carpet Sandal

Long before she became a fixture of major film premieres, Kate Mara’s entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe was a subject of intense speculation.

In April 2009, news of her casting in Iron Man 2 sparked theories that she might play an Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. or Bethany Cabe; instead, the 2010 film featured her in a brief but memorable cameo. That early blink-and-you-miss-it Marvel role contrasts sharply with the fashion-forward red carpet presence she would later cultivate.

Kate Mara makes a brief cameo as a U.S. Marshal in Iron Man 2, delivering a subpoena to Tony Stark in one of her earliest appearances in a big-budget studio film

Playing a U.S. Marshal tasked with serving Tony Stark a subpoena, Mara made the most of her limited screen time. “It’s a very small part,” she noted during the film’s release. “I’m only in one scene… Hopefully I’m still in it!”

While the role was fleeting, it marked an early milestone in her rise toward leading-lady status—a journey that eventually swapped superhero cameos for high-fashion red carpets.

Fast forward to the European premiere of The Martian in London on September 24, 2015, where the wealthy heiress leaned into a more structured aesthetic that divided critics.

Kate Mara’s slicked side-parted hairstyle at the European premiere of “The Martian” held at the Odeon Leicester Square in London, England, on September 24, 2015 (Credit: Daniel Deme / Mario Mitsis / WENN)

Joining co-stars Matt Damon, Kristen Wiig, and Jessica Chastain, Kate Mara chose a cream Christian Dior Fall 2014 gown accented with delicate blue and red embroidery. While the billowing skirt delivered soft drama, the tightly crisscrossed bodice felt noticeably restrictive, lacking some of the effortless ease that typically defines her red-carpet style.

Nearby, Wiig complemented her sheer, embroidered Valentino mini with classic Christian Louboutin pointed-toe pumps, while Chastain balanced her floor-length black Elie Saab Couture gown with coordinating platform sandals that supported the dress’s dramatic proportions.

Kate Mara, Kristen Wiig, Matt Damon, and Jessica Chastain step out together on the red carpet at the London premiere of The Martian, delivering a mix of modern minimalism and classic Hollywood glamour

To balance the heavy embroidery, she kept her accessories minimal—a single bangle and a few rings—pairing the look with a slicked side-parted hairstyle and a deep red lip. However, the true focal point was the pop of color on her feet.

Standing against the desert-themed backdrop, Kate Mara completes the look with minimalist jewelry and slicked-back hair, letting the contrast between embroidery and bold heels do the talking

Kate chose the iconic Jimmy Choo “Minny” sandals (shop similar styles at Farfetch)—a true red-carpet “holy grail” because it’s the ultimate barely-there supporting actor: two delicate straps that deliver height, leg-lengthening polish, and a clean, “naked” finish that never fights a couture gown.

Kate Mara makes a restrained red carpet statement in a strapless cream Christian Dior gown, pairing soft embroidery with sleek styling and a deep red lip at The Martian premiere

Her pair dialed the classic formula up with striking red snakeskin leather, a sleek 4-inch heel, and fine buckled ankle straps that keep the minimalist silhouette looking sharp and secure.

Seen from multiple angles, the Dior dress reveals its architectural corset-inspired bodice and fluid midi-length skirt designed to move effortlessly on the red carpet

For more iconic takes on the minimalist Jimmy Choo “Minny” sandal, Your Next Shoes has chronicled several standout red-carpet moments in which this barely-there heel elevated looks across events and fashion narratives.

See how Emma Stone paired salmon-pink Jimmy Choo “Minny” sandals with a vibrant Gucci dress at the StyleMakers Awards, and how Kristen Stewart used gunmetal Jimmy Choo “Minny” sandals to ground an embellished Chanel gown.

The style’s versatility is clear — from Nicole Kidman’s black-sandaled elegance at The Upside premiere to the way other stars have embraced the slender straps and sleek silhouette that make the “Minny” a red carpet favorite

A close-up highlights Mara’s choice of red snakeskin Jimmy Choo “Minny” sandals, with delicate ankle straps and slender heels adding a sharp pop of color beneath the airy hemline

More of Kate Mara’s Most Memorable Shoe & Red Carpet Style Moments

Kate Mara’s choice of the barely-there Jimmy Choo “Minny” sandals is just one chapter in a long-running red carpet story defined by clean lines, architectural silhouettes, and carefully chosen heels that never overpower her look.

From sculptural sandals to statement pumps, her footwear history reflects a consistent preference for refined designs that enhance proportion and polish. Explore more of her most memorable shoe and fashion moments below.