instep
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instep
The upper, arched part of the human foot, located between the toes and the ankle. This area is also referred to as the arch or top of the foot.
Diese neuen Wanderschuhe drücken mir unangenehm auf den Spann.
These new hiking boots press uncomfortably on my instep.
The noun 'der Spann' (instep) is related to the verb 'spannen' (to tighten/stretch). It describes the part of the foot that tenses or arches when you stretch your toes.
Beim Ballett ist ein hoher Spann von Vorteil.
In ballet, a high instep is an advantage.
The word is very often used in connection with shoes that do not fit properly. A typical complaint is: 'Der Schuh drückt auf dem Spann.' (The shoe presses on the instep.)
Diese Stiefel sind mir am Spann zu eng.
These boots are too tight for me at the instep.
In sports, especially in football/soccer, the instep is important. People talk about shooting the ball 'mit dem Spann' (with the instep) or 'mit dem Vollspann' (with the full instep) in order to make a powerful shot.
Der Stürmer traf den Ball perfekt mit dem Spann und erzielte ein Tor.
The striker hit the ball perfectly with his instep and scored a goal.