Meal doesn't include first part of shoe (5)

I believe the answer is:

upper

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'part of shoe' is the definition.
(I know that upper is part of shoe)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for upper that I've seen before include "Higher; part of boot" , "Higher-ranking" , "Higher; part of shoe" , "Higher in place or position" , "Higher; more northerly" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

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