She had been proud of her arched instep when first she had worn the new shoes, and had been anxious that Paul, who hitherto had seen her shod in the clumsy boots which she called her "workers," should learn that she possessed small feet and slim ankles.
"The Orchard of Tears"
Sax Rohmer
"Yes, sir," faltered the girl, rubbing the sole of one foot on the instep of the other.
"Stories of the Foot-hills"
Margaret Collier Graham
By some old thatched cattle-sheds and rickyards, overshadowed with elm trees, a strong bay or dam crosses it, forcing the water into a pond for the cattle, and answering the occasional purpose of a ford; for the labourers in their heavy boots walk over the bay, though the current rises to the instep.
"Wild Life in a Southern County"
Richard Jefferies