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On the lookout for a racer that feels quick earlier than your first stride even lands. The Salomon S/LAB PHANTASM 3 blends innovative aerodynamics with elite degree foam and plate tech to squeeze extra velocity from each step.
In the event you care about seconds on the clock and effectivity at race tempo, this shoe is constructed to tip the stability in your favor. Allow us to break down what makes it particular and when it really shines.
Design & Supplies — Aerodynamic Carbon Racing Innovation
The S/LAB PHANTASM 3 is a function constructed racing device formed within the wind tunnel with Swiss Aspect to scale back drag. Its cache-coeur wrap smooths the lace mattress, turning turbulence into cleaner airflow that helps preserve velocity.
Mixed with a sculpted higher and tapered heel, the silhouette slices air extra cleanly than its predecessor, claiming as much as 28 p.c drag discount.
Underfoot, a superlight PEBA primarily based optiFOAM+ midsole pairs with a full size energyBLADE carbon plate for snap and propulsion. The stack reads roughly 39 millimeters on the heel and 33 on the forefoot, delivering a full of life rocker that rolls you ahead with out feeling wobbly.
Stability is helped by cautious sidewall shaping and a platform that feels race prepared but assured.
Traction comes from Contagrip rubber tuned for asphalt, gripping paint strains and damp corners at tempo. The general package deal balances airflow, foam resiliency, and plate geometry to reduce losses and maximize return.
You’re feeling the shoe encourage fast cadence because the rocker and plate rebound your stride. It’s a uncommon racer that treats aerodynamics as significantly as cushioning and stiffness.
Consolation & Match — Cosy and Efficiency-Centered
This match is all enterprise, delivering a near the foot wrap that seems like a second pores and skin at velocity. The cache-coeur higher smooths strain over the laces whereas locking midfoot securely, so your foot stays planted by way of corners and surges.
With a 6 millimeter drop and reported weight round 199 grams in a US males’s 9, the emphasis is responsiveness over plush consolation.
You’ll discover minimal padding and a purposeful construction that disappears when tempo rises. The toe field is race oriented, not sloppy, offering simply sufficient room to splay with out wasted movement.
Heel maintain is assured but not abrasive, counting on form and materials rigidity greater than thick cushions.
On straightforward days it may possibly really feel unforgiving in contrast with day by day trainers, however that’s not its mission. Throughout intervals and race tempo work, the lockdown evokes confidence because the platform stays aligned below power.
Count on a tailor-made, efficiency targeted sensation that rewards good mechanics. In the event you prioritize light-weight precision and stability at excessive velocity, the match lands precisely the place it ought to.
Efficiency & Journey — Constructed for Pace from 5K to Marathon
The experience feels primed for aggression, rewarding an energetic stride and fast turnover. optiFOAM+ rebounds crisply whereas the complete size energyBLADE plate channels power straight forward, giving a springy but managed snap. The rocker initiates early and retains you rolling, so every step spends much less time on the bottom and extra time transferring ahead.
From 5K to marathon, the platform stays composed with out changing into plank stiff. You get bounce and steerage slightly than a harsh lever, making it accessible to runners who like propulsion with a contact of forgiveness.
Aerodynamic shaping provides a quiet help at velocity, serving to preserve watts when the clock issues most.
At threshold, the shoe feels prefer it desires you to lean in and go. Corners and cadence modifications stay easy due to steady geometry and dependable grip.
In the event you can keep kind, the PHANTASM 3 pays it again with free velocity on straights and descents. It’s a compelling competitor to prime tier tremendous sneakers, particularly when effectivity and rhythm outline your race.
Greatest Use Instances — Race Day and Quick Exercises
This can be a race day specialist and a pointy device for velocity periods when seconds matter. Tempo runs, interval ladders, and development lengthy runs are the place the geometry and plate synergy shine.
The light-weight construct retains fatigue in verify late, whereas the aerodynamic higher provides marginal beneficial properties you’ll be able to really feel when the tempo clicks.
For day by day mileage or straightforward restoration jogs, there are higher decisions constructed for cushion and rest. Right here, the aim is propulsion and economic system on measured efforts, turning your greatest mechanics into environment friendly velocity.
It excels on highway programs from 10K to marathon and brings punch to brief races once you want turnover.
Plan to reserve it for objective exercises and occasions to protect the snappy midsole. Pair with a steady coach for routine days, then lace this up when intent turns severe.
Availability started mid January 2026 through Salomon and choose retailers, inserting it among the many premier racers this season. If chasing a private greatest, this shoe belongs in your shortlist.
