The Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3 SC fixes our biggest problem with the original

Introduction to the Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3 SC

TINA: In my mind, Salomon is synonymous with the rugged backwoods lifestyle of hiking and weekend adventures in the mountains. I'll also admit I have a hard time coming to terms with influencers telling me the best shoe for my modern streetwear look is the Salomon XT-6, but I do love how their style has branched out into other avenues.

That being said, when I was given the opportunity to run in the S/Lab Phantasm 3 SC, I was intrigued. I wasn’t aware of Salomon’s entry into the road-running space, let alone road racing shoes with carbon plates. But the brand earned my trust with the various models of the Speedcross over the years, and I knew they would deliver an experience.

The team reviewed the Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3 earlier this year, and this update brings some positive improvements to the try-on feel and upper. The stack (39 mm / 33 mm) and key features of the OptiFoam Plus midsole and carbon fiber energy plate carried over to the SC version. But were the updates enough to make this shoe a race-day contender? Let’s talk about it.

What we like about the Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3 SC

TINA: I was pleasantly surprised by the fit and feel of this shoe. It was easy to get on and comfortable to the point that I wasn’t itching to get out of it after my run. The aerodynamic design keeps the look minimalistic, and I still felt relatively low to the ground, unlike other high-stack race day shoes.

The single-layer upper mesh is breathable but secure. The OptiFoam Plus midsole felt like the perfect combination of bounce and plush, but not so much that it made me lose the ground feel. One of my runs was on a heavy rain day, and the shoe held up surprisingly nicely, maintaining the snap without feeling like a wet sponge.

Consistent with most of the S/Lab lineup, the red and white colorway is sharp but pretty. The bold red logo is a statement, but the overall design remains simple and effective. I like the look of the sawtooth laces, though it seems like the design comes with some sacrifices that I’ll get into next.

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

TINA: After reading Thomas and Meaghan’s review of the shroud on the S/Lab Phantasm 3, the updated SC version had less of a barrier to entry but maybe went too far in the opposite direction. The tongue had to be perfectly adjusted to avoid a lateral shift with wear, and no matter how tight I pulled the laces, my foot wouldn't stay in place. 

At slower speeds, this was less of an issue, but with a carbon plate we’re expecting more, and I shouldn’t have to fight so hard to maintain a neutral position in the shoe.

Next, let’s talk about stability. You know when you bounce a ball on an uneven surface, and it hits at a certain angle that makes it shoot off in an unpredictable direction? That's kind of how it felt running along the Baltimore waterfront (or really any sidewalk in the city). If I hit a corner too fast or a crack in the bricks, it was just enough to push my center of gravity in a different direction and disrupt the flow of a run. 

This also made me think too hard about my foot placement during stride, and we know thinking is the last thing I want to do on a run. On a stable surface, like the high school track I did a few workouts on, this wasn’t an issue.

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Final thoughts on the Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3 SC

TINA: All in all, Salomon provided some nice updates with the S/Lab Phantasm 3 SC. With the stripped-down upper and OptiFoam Plus blend midsole, the design is minimalistic but effective. There was enough cushion to propel me forward during faster efforts, but I would advise keeping this on pavement or flat surfaces.

The lockdown could be better, as I felt my foot move too much during the run, but the collar was easy to step into and, for the most part, comfortable.

For a price point of $250, there may be contenders for a race-day shoe that can offer better performance, style, and comfort, but this was a pleasant surprise for my first road shoe with the brand.

You can pick up the Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3 SC for $250 at Salomon by using the shop link below.

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