Achilles notch

noun

: a U-shaped or V-shaped indentation in the collar of a shoe that is designed to lessen the pressure that the shoe puts on the wearer's Achilles tendon

An Achilles notch in shoes or mid- and low-top boots will accommodate the Achilles tendon in plantar flexion.

—John Vonhof, Fixing Your Feet, 2006

Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!