instep

noun

in·​step ˈin-ˌstep 

1

: the arched middle portion of the human foot in front of the ankle joint

especially : its upper surface

2

: the part of a shoe or stocking that fits over the instep

Illustration of instep

• instep 1

Examples of instep in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Updates to the shell and liner improve foot hold, with a lower instep and reshaped tongue providing secure, comfortable support. —Jenny Wiegand, Outside, 19 Nov. 2025

The shoes feature a lightweight slip-on design that comfortably captures heel, arch and instep for all-day outdoor support. —Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 13 Nov. 2025

Usimad Mesh Pointed-Toe Mule Heels My best guess for Kidman’s shoes are a brown pointed-toe heeled mule with a slim instep strap. —Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025

Denise’s were the shiny rich brown of horse chestnuts, with a leather braid over the instep. —Rachel Kushner, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for instep

• bicep
• doorstep
• footstep
• lockstep
• misstep
• sidestep
• cep
• hep
• pep
• prep
• rep
• sep

Kids Definition

instep

noun

in·​step ˈin-ˌstep 

1

: the arched middle part of the human foot

2

: the part of a shoe or stocking that fits over the instep

Medical Definition

instep

noun

in·​step ˈin-ˌstep 

: the arched middle portion of the human foot in front of the ankle joint

especially : its upper surface