instep

[ in-step ]

noun

1. the arched upper surface of the human foot between the toes and the ankle.
2. the part of a shoe, stocking, etc., covering this surface.
3. the front of the hind leg of a horse, cow, etc., between the hock and the pastern joint; cannon.

instep

/ ˈɪnˌstɛp /

noun

1. the middle section of the human foot, forming the arch between the ankle and toes
2. the part of a shoe, stocking, etc, covering this

Word History and Origins

Origin of instep¹

1520–30; apparently in- ¹ + step

Word History and Origins

Origin of instep¹

C16: probably from in- ² + step

Example Sentences

Striking with the instep rather than just the toe of the boot allows kickers to put more surface area on the ball, giving them more control over the flight path.

From Los Angeles Times

One player complained that Berhalter, a defender, delivered passes that had too much spin on them, so he spent hours learning to kick the ball with the laces of his boot instead of the instep.

From Los Angeles Times

When he saw me slipping and sliding on our icy street, he showed me how to tie a sock around the instep of my boots, providing a little more traction.

From Washington Post

And he adds to that a goalscoring threat, possessing a lovely method of curling the ball with the instep of his right foot, giving him another weapon when cutting inside from the left wing.

From BBC

Perhaps it will be his Off-White sneakers with the oversized security tab that dangled over the instep.

From Washington Post