Name: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm
Brand: Salomon
SKU: 4405
Rating: 5.00 (1 reviews)

9.4Overall score

Very good lightweight racing shoe with limited but explosive cushioning

Most famous for its trail collection, Salomon seems determined to bring its road range to the same level with this new model: the S/Lab Phantasm. And what better way to reach this goal than by relying on its incredible champion, Kilian Jornet. The legendary trailer wore this shoe while running its 24-hour running challenge in 2020. He had to give up, but the shoes don't seem to be in question. Phew!

So here's an ultralight running shoe (less than 7 oz/200g) with a cutting edge foam—Energy Surge— and a rocker. However, although the Phantasm goes head-to-head with carbon-fiber plate shoes, it doesn't have one. It uses its racing design and responsive foam to deliver a smooth and versatile run that makes it easy to pick up the pace. The testers were very impressed by the shoe's springy bounce and flexible platform. The result may not be as impressive as a carbon plate, but it's not far off. This makes the Phantasm an interesting option for athletes looking for a lightweight running shoe without a plate. Be careful though: the stack height is low, with only 20 mm under the heel and 14 mm under the forefoot. It's not a minimalist shoe, but it's no Hoka either!

If the shoe is so lightweight, it's also thanks to its very thin mesh (so think that you can see through it), pliable and mainly made of TPU. It has little structure despite a few overlays. The lockdown is good but runners note that it can depend on your foot (shape and size). So it's best to try the Phantasm to make sure its free design suits you. Also, note that the shoe fits a bit long. Finally, with its good old Contagrip rubber, the outsole is durable with a good grip on the road.

In short, the Salomon S/Lab Phantasm is not a half-hearted attempt to compete with the finest racing models out there. It means business with a shoe built to go fast, but that's still versatile for everyday training. Fans of the brand will be delighted to finally have a practical and durable elite model in their rotation.

Comfort

9.5

Durability

9.5

Value for money

Design

9.5

PROS

Good comfort
Responsive and versatile cushioning
Sturdy model
Lightweight shoe

CONS

Expensive
Unstructured upper that may not be suitable for everyone (besides fitting large)

Model: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm

Facts

Terrain	Road
Heel to toe drop	6 mm
Heel stack height	20 mm
Forefoot stack height	14 mm
Pronation	Neutral
Weight (men)	193 g/6.8 oz
Release year	2021
Athletes	Kílian Jornet Burgada

Cushioning

Bounce (1-5)	4 – Bouncy
Softness (1-5)	3 – Moderate

Use

Distance	5K, Short distance, 10K, Half marathon, Mid distance
Speed	Moderate, Fast
Workout	Competition, Speed

Best offers
Technologies
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Best offers

Technologies

Outsole

Contagrip FA: a sturdy rubber that ensures a secure grip on roads.
The flex grooves help you to transition more smoothly from heel to toes.

Midsole

Energy Surge: a new lightweight foam by Salomon that disperses impacts and maximizes the bounce for a comfortable and fast ride.

Upper

The Salomon S/Lab Phantasm’s upper features an engineered mesh with TPU that comfortably and securely locks down the foot inside the shoe while letting it breathe, especially in the summer.
The overlays fused to the mesh maximize foot lockdown and the robustness of the upper overtime.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Does the Salomon S/Lab Phantasm fit true to size?

The shoe fits slightly large, especially in the length. It’s therefore better to try it on in store if you have the possibility. Otherwise, you can try to size down.

I have overpronation. Are the Salomon S/Lab Phantasm adapted for me?

Yes, this shoe should be suitable for all people. Indeed, it’s a neutral running shoe. Therefore, it aims to suit all runners independently from their type of pronation. It’s not equipped with stability aids to guide the movement and prevent overpronation. At any rate, stability shoes are not a better choice than neutral shoes in preventing injury. Comfort should be the first criterion when selecting running shoes, not the gait, although the two can sometimes be linked.

I weigh 198 lbs/90 kg or more. Is this shoe adapted for me?

A scientific study has shown that minimalist shoes (i.e., with a very thin sole) can increase the risk of injury for athletes who weigh more than 71 kg/157 lbs. The Salomon S/Lab Phantasm has a 20 mm heel stack height, which is low without being considered minimalist. If you’re not sure, we advise you to avoid this model if you are a heavyweight runner, especially if you mainly run with high-stack shoes.

Is this model recommended to run a marathon?

This Salomon road running shoe is very suitable for different types of training and distances. So you can use it for all kinds of daily workouts. For the anedcode, Kilian Jornet wore it during his 24-hour running challenge in 2020. However, its low stack height (20 mm under the heel) may not be suitable for everyone for long distances.

1 review for Salomon S/Lab Phantasm

5.0 out of 5

★★★★★

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★★★★★
Runner’s Lab – February 23, 2021
Very good lightweight racing shoe with limited but explosive cushioning.
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Salomon S/Lab Phantasm