instep

American  

[in-step] / ˈɪnˌstɛp /

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.

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instep British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of instep

1520–30; apparently in- ¹ + 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 • Jan. 9, 2024

He brought down one long pass to him during the recent Merseyside derby against Everton with the instep of his right foot that he had tucked behind his left leg.

From Seattle Times • May 4, 2022

The presenting diagnosis is diffuse gangrenous inflammation and infiltration of connective tissue of the entire lower right extremity, extending from the instep upward to the buttock.

From Textbooks • Dec. 21, 2021

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 • Dec. 8, 2021

He folded his arms and stared at the ceiling while massaging the instep of one foot with the big toe of the other.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan