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A seamless new upper, a lighter build, and a smoother midsole shape combine to cut drag, conserve energy, and help runners chase faster times.
Salomon has announced the release of its most advanced road racing shoe yet: the S/Lab Phantasm 3 (available to purchase, Jan 16 2026).
Designed in collaboration with elite athletes and tested in a wind tunnel by Swiss Side aerodynamic engineers, this new carbon-plated racer is no longer just built for bounce, it’s now all about flow.
Arriving globally on January 16, 2026, the S/Lab Phantasm 3 makes a bold leap in both design and performance.
It features a completely reworked upper and midsole that reduce aerodynamic drag by up to 28% compared to the previous version, potentially saving runners up to 18 seconds over a full marathon at 20km/h.
And yes, I’ve got a pair on the way for testing, so stay tuned for my full hands-on review soon.
Technical specs
- Weight: 7oz (W10.5/M9.5)
- Drop: 6mm
- Stack: 39mm heel / 33mm forefoot
- Carbon plate: energyBLADE
- Foam: optiFOAM+ (PEBA-based)
Tested for faster transitions
The headline upgrade here is aerodynamic refinement.
Unlike other carbon-plated shoes that prioritize foam volume alone, the S/Lab Phantasm 3 takes a more holistic approach.
Working with Formula 1-derived engineering experts at Swiss Side, Salomon analyzed and sculpted the shoe’s shape to cut through air more efficiently.
In lab simulations and field tests with elite athletes, this smoother geometry delivered measurable energy savings.
Specifically, oxygen consumption dropped by 1.8% to 3.7% depending on the athlete, a clear sign that less drag equals less effort, especially at marathon pace.
A seamless upper with a performance-first look
To minimize turbulence at the ankle and lace area, the Phantasm 3 uses a “cache-coeur” upper; a seamless wrap that tucks the laces under a smooth gaiter-like overlay.
This creates an uninterrupted transition from midsole to ankle, reducing airflow disruption while giving the shoe its distinct, streamlined aesthetic.
The upper also adapts better to movement while keeping the foot securely locked, striking a balance between lockdown and lightness.
It’s likely a race-day fit you won’t be adjusting mid-stride.
Lighter than before, with more performance foam
Despite adding more of Salomon’s optiFOAM+ PEBA midsole compound, the Phantasm 3 is 10% lighter than its predecessor, coming in at just 7oz (for US M9.5).
The updated foam is softer and more resilient, tuned to maintain responsiveness through an entire marathon effort.
The energyBLADE carbon plate is now paired with a lower 6mm drop and more aggressive rocker shape that helps drive turnover and maximize rebound, especially during the final miles when form tends to fade.
Real-world results on the roads
While the aerodynamic and biomechanical claims are compelling on paper, Salomon’s athletes are already putting the shoe to work in races:
- Futsum Zienasellassie won the U.S. Marathon Championships at CIM
- Courtney Dauwalter clocked a 2:38:54 marathon, —yes, the queen of ultras, wearing the Phantasm 3
- Annie Rodenfels took the win at the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K
I think we can expect to see more results pile up as the shoe rolls out globally.
Who it’s for
This is a shoe for road racers who care about every detail, including lightness, propulsion, fit, and now aerodynamics.
It’s designed for fast efforts over 5K to marathon distances, with an edge that could appeal to triathletes and speed-focused runners alike.
Final thoughts
Salomon continues to evolve beyond the trails with a thoughtful, performance-driven road shoe that embraces every marginal gain.
The S/Lab Phantasm 3 doesn’t just rely on more foam or a stiffer plate, it’s sculpted, tuned, and tested to help you move through air, road, and race day smoother and smarter.
Stay tuned for my full review once I’ve had a chance to put this racer through its paces.
I’ll be looking at comfort, ride quality, and whether the aerodynamic claims hold up when the legs get tired and the clock starts mattering.
