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

The shape is wide and roomy from heel to toe, but holds the rear- and mid-foot securely with a well-padded collar and strategic straps that loop into the laces and wrap the instep. —Jonathan Beverly, Outside Online, 23 June 2025

He’s got that ability to play on his insteps and he’s got that short-area quickness. —Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025

This particular pair, however, was decorated with a wide buckle on the instep and a kitten heel that reminds us of the ones Paris and Nicole wore in the 2000s. —Marilú Almaguer, Glamour, 25 May 2025

The actor and juror of the filmmaker program wore black Chanel mary jane pumps featuring a rounded toe and a thin strap across the instep. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 6 June 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