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

Another set crisscrossed over the instep before circling the ankle, which Rae wore twisted to the front — a subtle switch from the standard placement that changed the entire balance of the look. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 10 Aug. 2025

One strap adjusts pressure on the instep, while the other runs across the midfoot. —Jennifer Heimlich, SELF, 23 July 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

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

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