May 8, 2014.

'Barefoot' Running Heads Into the Sunset

"There is a Party slogan dealing with the control of the past," he said. "Repeat it, if you please."

"Barefoot" running may be going the way of the caveman.

"'Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past,'" repeated Winston obediently.

The much-hyped running style that had weekend warriors ditching sneakers to jog with little or nothing on their feet, as humans had for millennia before the advent of footwear, is falling out of favor.

"'Who controls the present controls the past,'" said O’Brien, nodding his head with slow approval. "Is it your opinion, Winston, that the past has real existence?"

Health claims that had helped drive the trend are coming under attack. Vibram, which makes the FiveFingers shoes that look like gloves for the feet, has offered to settle a class-action suit that contends the company profited from unsubstantiated claims the shoes strengthen muscles and prevent injury. Vibram has proposed to reimburse buyers up to $94 for every pair they have purchased. The proposed settlement is awaiting approval from U.S. district court in Massachusetts.