Salomon S/LAB Phantasm 3 review: speed, comfort and lightness

The right balance of speed, comfort and lightness

Salomon has made a strong start to the year with a high-profile marketing campaign, but above all with significant improvements to its carbon-plated racer. The Annecy-based brand has invested heavily in developing a competition shoe for elite runners. Its striking appearance comes from a surprising, almost futuristic design and the addition of a gaiter.

Salomon worked with engineers from Swiss Ride to test the shoe in a wind tunnel. The figures shared by Salomon are impressive: 16 to 28% less aerodynamic drag than the Phantasm 2, equivalent to an 18-second gain over a 2:06 marathon. More than two years of work went into a field that is still largely unexplored. Salomon has also managed to deliver a shoe that is not only fast, but remarkably comfortable and light. At just 199 grams, it lines up with the lightest carbon-plated shoes on the market.

With a new midsole, the Phantasm 3 adds more foam while staying within World Athletics’ limits (39/33 mm). Salomon’s engineers chose a supercritical PEBA-based optiFOAM+ foam, which is softer and more resilient, paired with a full-length, spoon-shaped energyBLADE carbon plate. The result is a carbon shoe that is genuinely enjoyable to run in, and a technological showcase likely to appeal to plenty of road specialists.

Is the Phantasm 3 only for elite runners?

Salomon makes no attempt to hide its intentions: this latest Alpine-brand gem is not for every runner. And if Salomon’s development teams took testing all the way to a wind tunnel, it certainly was not to create a shoe for the average recreational runner. The aerodynamic gains become noticeable from 15 km/h, well above the average marathon pace.

Beyond the aerodynamic benefits, carbon-plated shoes are generally not a great fit for runners further back in the field. This model is not a daily trainer. It is a genuine racing weapon, designed to be brought out on race day. So who is this new carbon-plated shoe for?

➜ Experienced to elite runners
➜ Runners looking for a real performance gain
➜ Runners chasing a road personal best, from 5K to marathon
➜ Athletes fascinated by innovation and gear who will not be able to resist trying this new pair

Salomon Phantasm 2 vs. Phantasm 3: what has changed

Compared with version 2, the Phantasm 3 represents a clear move towards marathon performance. The V3 is around 10% lighter, thanks to a more refined, aerodynamic design, including a wraparound upper that covers the laces and a geometry designed to reduce drag while running. Wind-tunnel testing points to up to 28% less drag than the V2.

It also has a lower drop, at 6 mm rather than 9 mm, and PEBA-enhanced optiFOAM+ foam that delivers a more generous, responsive ride. The result is a slightly more comfortable and protective feel over long distances without sacrificing plenty of snap. Runners used to the V2 may find the V3’s character noticeably different, however. With its firmer cushioning and higher drop, the V2 could feel more direct and edgy, while the V3 clearly prioritises aerodynamic efficiency and marathon comfort without losing its propulsive feel.

© Alanis Duc

© Alanis Duc

© Alanis Duc

© Alanis Duc

© Alanis Duc

Testing the Salomon S/LAB Phantasm 3 on the road

This was my first road-shoe test with Salomon. As soon as I picked up the pair, the lightness of the Salomon S/LAB Phantasm 3 was obvious. A 199-gram gem with a futuristic design. The thin outsole immediately caught my attention and looked relatively slick at first glance. I quickly wondered whether it would provide enough grip on very wet ground. Another intriguing detail was the foam. It felt very soft and comfortable, which made me question the shoe’s stability and durability for heavier runners. I decided to test the Salomon S/LAB Phantasm 3 across several road sessions and in different weather conditions.

➜ Marathon-pace session

This third version of the Phantasm seems best suited to the marathon. For my first proper test, I chose short repeats and a fairly short run to get used to the shoe. On my second outing, I realised I was dealing with a genuine gem. After a 30-minute easy warm-up, I ran two 20-minute efforts at marathon pace. I quickly appreciated the shoe’s snap, but what stood out most was the comfort offered by the Phantasm 3. I usually prefer shoes with a nylon plate rather than carbon. Even so, the shoe’s efficiency was impossible to ignore. At the same pace, running felt noticeably easier in this new Salomon. My only reservation was the stability, which in my view is not one of this pair’s strengths.

➜ 10K-pace session

After testing the shoe at marathon pace, I wanted to push it through faster running and shorter repeats. Once again, I was impressed by its snap, which became even more obvious as the pace increased. The comfort of the Salomon S/LAB Phantasm 3 is genuinely impressive. In fact, you can barely hear the carbon plate, if at all. It felt as though I had the comfort of a daily trainer with the response of a carbon racer. In my view, that is one of the model’s biggest strengths. As on the marathon-pace run, I found the shoe’s stability somewhat limited.

© Alanis Duc

➜ Testing the Phantasm 3 on wet ground

This was my biggest question mark. Would the outsole of this third Phantasm perform flawlessly on wet ground? Against all expectations, I never slipped, despite the fast pace and soaking-wet roads. I did notice a difference in grip between the first and third outings, however. I recommend breaking in the outsole over a few shorter sessions before taking it into a full marathon-specific workout. Water clears quickly, even after running through puddles. That is a useful feature for reducing the risk of blisters and chafing.

✔ After testing it on the road, the Salomon S/LAB Phantasm 3 stands out for its excellent balance of responsiveness and comfort, both at marathon pace and during faster sessions. It delivers a genuine sense of ease under pressure and reassuring grip, even on wet surfaces. Its main weakness is its less-than-perfect stability. Used for specific workouts and racing, it is a real weapon for runners chasing a personal best.

Phantasm 3 at a glance

Salomon S/LAB Phantasm 3: a technological gem that is not for everyone

Salomon has made a bold statement with this third version of the Phantasm. This is a genuine performance shoe, particularly well suited to sustained paces from 5K to marathon. The Alpine brand has found an effective compromise between comfort and responsiveness, a combination marathon runners will appreciate most. This shoe is clearly not for every type of runner, however. Ultra-fast but with a limited lifespan, it will really make sense only for highly capable runners.

✔ Find the Salomon S/LAB Phantasm 3 on Salomon’s website for €280.