6.8.1 Barefoot Training One of the benefits of “barefoot training" is the strengthening of muscles that are often not trained during physical activities in supportive shoes. "Barefoot training," if done in all directions, primarily affects the muscles crossing the ankle joint complex. Thus, some form of "barefoot training" chould always be done along with training in shoes. "Barefoot training" and the strengthening of all muscles crossing the ankle joint complex is important. The important outcome of any “barefoot training" is that the muscles crossing the ankle joint are activated and gain strength during this training. For this to occur, barefoot training must be performed in all directions (anterior/posterior, mediolateral, and vertical) and the force applications must occur in translation and in rotation. 6.8.2 Barefoot Shoes If “barefoot shoes" are developed, the important primary and secondary aspects of barefoot training should be mimicked. The primary aspects are those that change the functioning of the joints. One (and probably the most important) primary aspect is the training and strengthening of the muscles crossing the ankle joint. This form of training has many (proven or speculated) benefits, including increased stability, reduced frequency of injury, improved performance, and others.Secondary aspects are those that address other characteristics of the barefoot condition such as the shape of the foot or the kinematics of barefoot movements. These may be important, however, their effects have first to be identified and shown. Some "barefoot shoes" may be a fashion trend and, as such, disappear after some (short) time. "Barefoot shoes" that have a functional basis will be around for many years to come.