Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2

Who Are Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2 For?

This is a lightweight tempo trainer and short-course racer for experienced runners who like to feel the road and turn their legs over quickly. It suits people chasing 5K and 10K personal bests or sharpening speed, not runners looking for a plush recovery-day cushion or long, slow mileage.

Feelings and Experience

The Energy Surge foam feels firm and lively rather than soft, so transitions are quick and direct with plenty of ground feel underfoot. It rewards a committed, forefoot-driven stride and comes alive when you push the pace; ease off to a jog and the ride can feel a touch flat and unremarkable, which is the honest trade-off of its low-profile, race-minded build.

Performance Specs

• Drop: 8mm heel-to-toe offset — the height gap between heel and toe, a moderate setup that stays versatile for midfoot and heel strikers alike

• Cushioning: moderate, low-profile Energy Surge foam — protective enough for a half marathon without feeling built-up

• Responsiveness: good — the springy foam, not a plate, drives the rebound (no carbon plate here; that belongs to the Phantasm CF)

• Stability: moderate, neutral — a reasonably planted platform with no added pronation support

• Pace: Optimal for 3:45–4:15 min/km (6:00–6:50 min/mile)

Best Distances and Maximum Speed

It genuinely excels from 5K through 10K, with the sweet spot landing squarely at hard 10K efforts and tempo repeats. It has enough foam to carry you through a half marathon, though it is happiest fast. The technology works best in the 3:40–4:00 min/km (5:55–6:25 min/mile) range.

Technologies and Materials

The midsole uses Salomon's Energy Surge foam with no plate, keeping the ride responsive but firm. A thin, breathable engineered upper wraps the foot snugly — the fit runs narrow, so wide-footed runners should try before buying. Weight and stack height are not confirmed here, so treat it as a light, low-stack racer rather than a max-cushion trainer.

Comparisons with Other Shoes

Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2 vs Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3

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Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2 vs Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3 SC

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Brooks Hyperion 2 vs Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2

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