Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3 Review: Ultimate Aero

Introduction to the Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3

MEAGHAN: We got our first look at the S/Lab Phantasm 3 at The Running Event last December, and I was immediately intrigued. At a glance, I wondered whether Salomon was chasing something similar to On’s Lightspray upper technology, but a deeper dive with the product team told a different (less spider-web-inspired) story.

In collaboration with Swiss Side — Formula 1 aerodynamics specialists now focused on cycling and triathlon — Salomon optimized the shoe for aerodynamic performance, even conducting wind-tunnel testing followed by athlete testing. The team compared the S/Lab Phantasm 2 against 12 competitor models and found measurable differences based on shape and construction.

To reduce turbulence and drag, the midsole was designed with a rounded profile, eliminating sharp edges and creating a smoother transition into the upper. They also added a seamless “cache-coeur” upper that covers the laces with an integrated gaiter, further minimizing drag by creating a clean, uninterrupted flow from shoe to ankle.

The S/Lab Phantasm 3 also features an increased stack of OptiFoam+ with softer PEBA in the midsole, a spoon-shaped EnergyBlade carbon plate, and an updated rocker geometry with a lower drop (39 mm / 33 mm, up from 37 mm / 28 mm).

So does all this research and development lead to an incredible race day shoe? Let’s get into it.

THOMAS: I’ll be honest, a built-in cuff on a shoe gets me every time. Done right, it’s one of those small design moves that punches way above its weight. We’re talking locked-in heel, snug wrap, the kind of fit that makes you forget you’re wearing a shoe at all. So yeah, I came into this one with expectations. Salomon had my attention.

Then I actually put it on.

What they’ve called a cuff is less “precision fit feature” and more “design element that exists to confuse you.” The details are coming, trust me, I get into it, but the short version is: this thing doesn’t do what a cuff is supposed to do. It’s not hugging anything. It’s just… there.

To Salomon’s credit, the shoe looks good. Like, genuinely good. They nailed the aesthetic, and I’ll give credit where it’s due. But looking great and running great are two different conversations, and since Meg’s already covered the shoe’s anatomy, let’s skip the pleasantries and get into what actually matters.

What we like about the Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3

MEAGHAN: Once you actually get the shoe on (and yes, we’ll circle back to that), the step-in experience is lovely. The updated midsole foam feels soft, offering a level of comfort that stands out for a race-day model. There’s a noticeably wider toe box and platform than you typically find in this category, too, which allows your foot to settle into the shoe without feeling pinched or perched on a narrow slab of foam.

Up top, the engineered mesh maintains a sleek, minimal aesthetic while delivering solid breathability. It looks stripped down, but it doesn’t feel flimsy. There’s a thoughtful structure built into the heel counter and collar, giving the rearfoot a secure, dialed-in hold without overdoing it. It strikes a nice balance between race-ready minimalism and practical comfort.

Beneath the integrated gaiter, you’ll find a set of thin, sawtooth laces that provide a more traditional lockdown. Once adjusted, they do a solid job of securing the foot in place. That said, they aren’t the easiest to access or fine-tune, which can make achieving that perfect fit slightly more tedious than it needs to be.

The true standout, though, is the revamped midsole setup. The updated foam compound delivers a softer, more forgiving feel while still maintaining a lively responsiveness. Paired with the spoon-shaped carbon plate, the ride becomes increasingly propulsive as you pick up the pace — it’s one of those shoes that rewards faster turnover.

There’s also noticeably more foam in the forefoot, an area that felt lacking in the previous version. That added cushioning not only enhances comfort over longer efforts but also makes the shoe feel more energetic and balanced.

In short, once it’s on and moving, this shoe comes alive, and the midsole is very much the star of the show. Lastly, the weight: my US W7.5 came in at 5.6 oz. (158 g), which is very light and on par with other race-day shoes like the Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 and New Balance SC Elite v5.

THOMAS: Meg is right, the foam is the best material Salomon has ever offered in a race-day shoe. The shoe’s look is also a stunner. Running uptempo miles during the Faster Bastards’ weekly 10-mile Saturday Classic, I got a lot of compliments and questions about the shoe. It’s also pretty light, coming in at a reasonable 7 oz. (198 g) for the sample size US M9.5.

What we don’t like about the Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3

MEAGHAN: I firmly believe — and I can’t stress this enough — that shoes should be easy to put on. There should be zero barrier to entry. No puzzles to solve. No gaiters that feel like wrestling a fitted sheet into submission.

While I appreciate Salomon’s commitment to an aerodynamic upper, I’m not entirely convinced the payoff justifies the pain point here. The design makes it noticeably more difficult to A) get the shoe on in the first place and B) fine-tune the lacing once it’s on, thanks to what is essentially a curtain that sits between you and the laces.

THOMAS: It is tough getting this shoe on your foot. It’s a process. Between the cuff situation and the excess material crowding the lace zone, you’re not slipping into this one on your way out the door. You’re committing to it. Wrestling with it. Negotiating with it. The tongue and surrounding material gang up on your fingers every time you try to dial in the fit, and frankly, Salomon could stand to trim some things up. Less is more here. The shoe would benefit enormously from a cleaner, more minimal construction. Right now, it feels like there’s just too much going on in a place where you need simplicity and control.

And once you’re finally in? The fit still isn’t giving you what you came for. That cuff, the whole reason I was excited about this shoe, isn’t locking anything down. It’s decorative at best, an obstacle at worst.

Now, the ride. If you’re a heel striker, you might actually love the Phantasm. Salomon clearly had you in mind when they designed this one. The geometry is built for that heel-to-toe roll, and when you run it that way, the shoe wakes up. There’s energy there. There’s life.

But if you run like me, midfoot, landing closer to center, the Phantasm falls flat. Literally. The stack and shape don’t play well with a midfoot stride, and you’ll feel that deadness underfoot. I had to consciously shift my landing pattern further back to get anything out of this shoe, and while that unlocked a livelier, more responsive ride, I can’t change it up to meet the shoe halfway.

Final thoughts on the Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3

MEAGHAN: The S/Lab Phantasm 3 feels like a meaningful step forward for Salomon — though it may lean a little too hard into the aerodynamic concept. I don’t dislike the design, and I’ve actually found that the more I take the shoe on and off, the easier it is to dial in the fit. Still, I’m not convinced this setup is the most practical choice for everyday runners.

That said, the underfoot experience is the best we’ve felt from a Salomon race-day shoe to date. The ride is smooth, responsive, and enjoyable across the board — from easy miles to faster efforts.

At $280, however, it’s tough not to compare it to other top-tier race options. In a crowded super shoe market, there are compelling alternatives that may offer a more universally friendly fit and feel at that price point.

THOMAS: Look, I’m not going to sit here and trash a beautiful shoe. The Phantasm is genuinely stunning. Salomon brought their A-game on the aesthetics, and I respect it. But beauty doesn’t equal compatibility, and this one just wasn’t meant for me.

It all makes sense in hindsight. Meg lands a little further back than I do, and that heel-favoring geometry that left me feeling flat? That’s exactly what she needs to get the most out of this shoe. Her verdict and mine are going to look pretty different, and honestly, that’s the point. Same shoe, two different runners, two different experiences.

If your stride matches what Salomon built this for, you might have found something special here. If you run like me, landing midfoot, forward, expecting the shoe to meet you where you are, keep shopping.

It’s not you, Phantasm. It’s me. Actually, no, it’s a little bit you too.

You can pick up the Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3 for $280 from Running Warehouse (featuring free shipping and 90-day returns) by using the buttons below.