Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3 Review: A Race Day Shoe That Adds Cushioning Without the Weight

Introduction

Race day shoes have been good for a while now, but many runners have been waiting for one that adds a bit more punch without adding weight. The Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3 appears to have solved that equation. It keeps the exact same 7 oz weight as its predecessor, the S/Lab Phantasm 2, while adding noticeably more cushioning under the forefoot and a more aggressive toe-off. It releases on January 16th at a price of $280, positioning it firmly at the top tier of the super shoe market.

Key Features and Design Updates

The headline change is a dual foam construction with a carbon plate running right down the middle. Salomon claims 20% more cushioning, particularly in the forefoot, which is where most runners feel the difference during long road races. The weight stays the same, so the extra foam is a genuine upgrade rather than a trade-off.

The upper uses a bootie-style construction combined with a regular lacing system. That means the shoe is easy to get on, easy to tie, and easy to get out the door onto the roads, while still delivering a sleek, aerodynamic feel around the foot. Athlete feedback on the shoe has been described as incredible, with testers having worn it for over a year ahead of launch.

Outsole and Grip

The outsole stays minimalistic to keep weight down, but the grip story remains strong. Salomon retained its proprietary Contragrip outsole, described as very tacky on the roads, designed to keep runners from slipping and sliding around in wet or demanding conditions.

If you have raced in the previous version, the traction and plate behavior should feel familiar. The changes are concentrated in the midsole and cushioning, not in the contact patch.

Racing Credentials and Athlete Feedback

Salomon road athletes have already been racing in this shoe through the fall season. Maggie Montoya ran it at the Chicago Marathon, finishing 15th. Annie Rodenfels took a three-peat at the Dash 5K in New York City wearing it head to toe. An athlete from Switzerland placed fifth in the New York City Marathon running a 2:09 in the shoe. Courtney Dauwalter was also set to toe the line on the roads in it, having previously raced the Twin Cities Marathon in the Phantasm line and loved it.

That mix of elite road results and positive athlete feedback gives the Phantasm 3 credible racing pedigree well before its retail launch.

Buying Advice

At $280, this sits at the ceiling of Salomon’s range, joining the growing group of flagship race day shoes at premium prices. If you want maximum forefoot cushioning in a lightweight carbon-plated package and you are racing roads this spring, it is one to shortlist. Just remember it arrives on January 16th, so plan your race calendar and budget accordingly.

Conclusion

The Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3 keeps what worked from the Phantasm 2, adds 20% more forefoot cushioning at the same 7 oz weight, and pairs it with a sleek laced bootie upper and proven Contragrip traction. With early racing results already backing it up, it looks like a strong contender for runners hunting an edge on race day.