Definition

1. Noun:
   • The arch of the foot: The raised middle part of the top of the human foot between the toes and the ankle.
   • The part of a shoe or stocking covering the arch: The section of footwear that fits over or corresponds to the arch of the foot.

Examples

• Noun:
  • He felt a sharp pain in his instep after running.
  • The new shoes have extra padding in the instep for better support.
  • She carefully measured the height of her instep to order custom boots.

Advanced Usage

• "High instep": A foot with a pronounced or tall arch.
  • People with a high instep often need specially fitted shoes.
• "Instep kick" (in sports like soccer): A kick made with the top of the foot, specifically the area of the laces.
  • He scored the goal with a powerful instep kick.

Variants and Related Words

• Instep strap (n): A strap on a shoe that goes across the arch of the foot.
  • The sandal's instep strap kept it secure while walking.

Synonyms

• Arch (of the foot): The curved structure of the foot.
• Vamp: The part of a shoe or boot covering the instep and sometimes the toes. (Note: 'Vamp' is a more specific term for the front part of the upper of a shoe.)

Related Phrases

• To tread on someone's instep: To accidentally step on the top of someone's foot.
  • In the crowded train, someone trod on her instep.

Noun

1. the part of a shoe or stocking that covers the arch of the foot
2. the arch of the foot