Salomon S/LAB Phantasm 3: an aerodynamic racing shoe built to chase records

Over the past few seasons, Salomon has stepped off the trails and made a serious move into road running. Its carbon-plated S/LAB Phantasm line has been widely praised by runners, marking a major shift for a brand long associated with trail dominance. The Annecy-based company took its time to build a coherent, competition-focused road range—and the S/LAB Phantasm series represents its most radical expression yet. With the new Phantasm 3, Salomon isn’t delivering a simple update. The brand is entering an entirely new territory in road running: shoe aerodynamics. It’s a bold and fully intentional move—one backed by scientific testing and measurable performance gains. Here’s everything you need to know about Salomon’s latest rocket ship.

| A unique innovation focused on aerodynamics

This is the defining feature of the Phantasm 3—and it’s immediately visible. Salomon partnered with Swiss Side, aerodynamic specialists with backgrounds in Formula 1 and professional cycling, to analyze and reduce the drag generated by a running shoe during a marathon.

The insight is straightforward: an elite marathon runner’s foot can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h (25 mph) during the stride cycle. At those speeds, shoe shape has a real impact on overall performance. To reduce turbulence and air resistance, Salomon spent two years completely redesigning the upper.

The result is a wrap-style construction with an integrated gaiter that covers the laces all the way up to the ankle. This creates a smooth, continuous surface—rounded, streamlined, and free of disruptive edges.

Wind tunnel testing conducted in Salomon’s labs, under the guidance of Swiss Side engineers, delivered striking results:

✔ 16% to 28% reduction in aerodynamic drag compared to the Phantasm 2
✔ Up to 18 seconds saved over a marathon run in 2:06

Several elite Salomon athletes also participated in treadmill oxygen-consumption tests. Maggie Montoya, Djilali Bedrani, and Annie Rodenfels ran repeated marathon-pace intervals. Results showed a reduction in oxygen consumption compared to the previous model, reaching up to –3.7%.

At this level, we’re not talking about marginal gains measured in fractions of a second—this translates to minutes over a full marathon. This isn’t marketing hype; these are measurable, repeatable gains validated through scientific testing.
En ajoutant une couche de matériau supplémentaire, la question de la respirabilité peut se poser mais la marque semble avoir conçu une tige technique évacuant correctement la chaleur.

Adding an extra material layer naturally raises questions about breathability, but Salomon claims the technical upper has been engineered to manage heat effectively.

| Built for time chasers

With its highly distinctive upper, the S/LAB Phantasm 3 stands apart from anything else on the market. This shoe is clearly designed for experienced runners looking to run fast and chase personal bests.

The fit is extremely snug, delivering precise lockdown and a true “second-skin” feel. Comfort takes a back seat to maximum effort and speed. Lightweight construction is essential for performance, and Salomon delivers: at just 199 grams, the Phantasm 3 ranks among the lightest carbon racing shoes available—perfectly aligned with the S/LAB philosophy, Salomon’s performance pinnacle.

© Salomon

© Salomon

© Salomon

© Salomon

| More cushioning underfoot

Another major update comes in the midsole. The Phantasm 3 adds more foam (+2 mm at the heel, +5 mm at the forefoot) while staying within World Athletics regulations.

Salomon combines its core expertise:
➜ Supercritical optiFOAM+ PEBA foam, softer and more resilient
➜ A full-length, spoon-shaped energyBLADE carbon plate
➜ A more aggressive rocker geometry
➜ A reduced 6 mm drop

The result is strong energy return and forward propulsion, paired with improved comfort compared to the Phantasm 2. With more foam underfoot, the shoe is more forgiving—while remaining demanding and performance-driven.

| Who is the S/LAB Phantasm 3 really for?

Let’s be clear: this shoe is not for everyone, and that’s entirely intentional.

➜ Experienced to elite runners
➜ Athletes targeting personal bests on the road, from 5K to marathon
➜ Runners seeking a genuine performance advantage

This is not a shoe for easy runs or daily training. It’s not forgiving. It’s a pure racing weapon, built to perform on race day.

| The bottom line

Salomon delivers a major statement with the S/LAB Phantasm 3. Among the many carbon-plated shoes on the market, no other brand has truly embraced aerodynamics as a core performance lever.

With its unique design, futuristic innovation, and proven results, the Phantasm 3 represents a clear step forward for the S/LAB Phantasm line. It has already been spotted in major performances, including Matthias Kyburz, 5th at the 2025 New York City Marathon in 2:09:55, Anaïs Quemener, returning to competition at the 2025 Valencia Marathon in 2:37:48, and Futsum Zienasellassie, winning the U.S. Marathon Championships in 2:09:31.These results validate Salomon’s efforts to create a fully realized, elite-level carbon racing shoe.

Salomon’s gamble is bold—and likely to appeal to performance-hungry road runners. The only real downside? The price. At $280, it sits among the most expensive shoes on the market. Speed, as ever, comes at a cost.

With the S/LAB Phantasm 3, Salomon delivers one of the boldest road-running launches of the year. By putting aerodynamics at the heart of the project, the brand isn’t copying what already exists—it’s opening a new chapter in innovation. This is a specialist’s shoe, designed and tested for athletes who want to go fast—very fast. Salomon has been chasing road-running credibility for years. With the Phantasm 3, it may finally have found the formula to move into an entirely new dimension.

✔ The S/LAB Phantasm 3 will be available from January 15, 2026 on salomon.com and at select specialty retailers for $280.

Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist