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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

With your feet hip-width apart, lift your leg and place the instep of your rear foot on the bench. —K. Aleisha Fetters, Outside Online, 14 Dec. 2017

At first, the instep and heel were almost too spacious, but some lacing tweaks (for example, dog-ears in the top eyelets) secured my foot. —Elizabeth Carey, Outside Online, 13 Jan. 2020

This pair wraps your instep, forefoot, and toes in warmth, giving you full coverage and even heat distribution. —Danny Perez, Popular Mechanics, 23 Dec. 2022

Mesh ventilation on the instep ensures superb breathability from toe to heel. —Mike Richard, Men's Health, 20 Dec. 2022

There are three versions for every instep height to keep your foot secure to deliver comfort and longevity in the long run. —Outside Online, 23 Nov. 2022

The outcome: a slightly narrower instep (from top to bottom), a narrower heel hold, and a dense rubber segment on the medial outsole to keep feet from rolling inward, since women tend to pronate more than men. —Cory Smith, Outside Online, 27 May 2022

The foot has length, width, instep girth, arch height, and metatarsal toe bar measurements, to cite just a few. —Greg Tunney, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2022

Get in a half-kneeling stance, right knee on the floor, right instep on a box or bench behind you. —Ebenezer Samuel, Men's Health, 23 Aug. 2022

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Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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