Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3 SC

Who Are Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3 SC For?

This is a dedicated racer for experienced, fast runners chasing personal bests from the half marathon up to the full marathon. It rewards those who can hold a genuinely quick, committed pace on race day — not the runner looking for an easy-day cruiser or a forgiving recovery shoe.

Feelings and Experience

The PEBA-based foam feels lively and springy underfoot, and the stiff full-length carbon plate snaps you forward through each toe-off with an insistent, propulsive roll. At true race pace the ride is bouncy and eager, but the tall, lightweight platform feels tippy and less planted when you slow down or fatigue sets in — this shoe wants to go fast and lets you know it.

Performance Specs

• Drop: 6mm heel-to-toe offset — the height gap between heel and forefoot; a moderate drop that keeps you forward-leaning without forcing it

• Cushioning: High, optiFOAM+ PEBA midsole — well-protected for the marathon without crossing into max-stack territory

• Responsiveness: Maximum — the spoon-shaped energyBLADE carbon plate paired with springy PEBA drives a highly energetic rebound

• Stability: Low, neutral — a narrow, tall racing platform with no added pronation support

• Pace: Optimal for 3:00–3:30 min/km (4:49–5:38 min/mile) — a true fast-end racing zone

Best Distances and Maximum Speed

It genuinely shines at the half marathon and the full marathon, with the marathon as its sweet spot where the cushioning and plate work together over distance. The technology works best at roughly 3:00–3:15 min/km (4:49–5:13 min/mile), the sharp end of its range.

Technologies and Materials

At its core is Salomon's PEBA-based optiFOAM+ paired with a full-length spoon-shaped energyBLADE carbon plate. The aerodynamic engineered upper was shaped in a wind tunnel — light and snugly race-fitted, though fussy to pull on. It stands 39 mm heel / 33 mm forefoot and weighs about 184 g in a men's US 9.

Comparisons with Other Shoes

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