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 design is meant to lock down a runner’s instep and features a slightly longer fit to prevent toe jam. —Tim Newcomb, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025

These are also well mapped, with different support zones for the ankle, instep, and underfoot cushioning. —Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2025

At the end of the day, what sealed the deal for us was the instep patches. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2025

Good Fit Starts with Awareness The best place to start is by looking down at your own feet and trying to gauge your foot shape and volume (i.e. your food width and instep height). —Joe Jackson, Outside Online, 11 Dec. 2024

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