Hardwear
Product 2021
Woman, Man
Salomon, who occupies a leading position in the trail running field, is trying to penetrate the road running market with a new offensive, targeted at the very top end this time and 100% performance. But places are very expensive, the big running brands are constantly upgrading the shoes’ technicality.
Before giving our field test impressions, we have a few questions about this Phantasm which was talked about during Kilian Jornet’s 24-hour record attempt.
The first question concerns the absence of a carbon plate on a product that costs 180 euros, with 20 euros more, we have for example an Asics Metaracer.
Even if the time you gain with having a carbon plate is not that huge, you generally have a more responsive shoe and more comfortable cushioning while maintaining a good performance level: you get less tired and your stride deteriorates less. Yes, of course, the carbon plate phenomenon is the marketing highlight, but the top-end road running market is clearly oriented towards this type of product. There is however, also the question of the complicated aspects of recycling of this type of product.
The second question concerns the sole. On the Salomon S/Lab Phantasm, we have a certain proximity to the ground which favors the rebound orchestrated by very good runners. Even if it means attracting the wrath of the Salomon developers, we would have preferred to have seen a modified sole of the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar type, which really thrilled us. Its energy, rebound, and comfort could thus have brought the sensations of the Phantasm closer to carbon plate shoes. To be honest, the Pulsar sole seems better designed than the Phantasm. The Salomon S/Lab Pulsar is also curiously lighter than the Salomon S/Lab Phantasm, yes, just a few grams (pulsar:175g, Phantasm: 195). We probably don’t have all the technical and industrial elements to judge such a choice.
So, this Salomon S/Lab Phantasm, how does it influence your stride? As mentioned, we have a very light, very direct shoe with efficient transition. Fluid, very stable (no drift, internal sagging), it presents a hard point that is quite quickly reached after a short phase of absorption. For those who have a very efficient stride, it allows you to rebound and push hard. On the other hand, you have to still be able to deploy this clean gesture even when fatigue kicks in. Once you’re here, the shoe won’t help. So, you have to be an elaborate runner.
Where the carbon plate models offer (paradoxically) some comfort, the Salomon S/Lab Phantasm is more demanding.
It has a narrow heel, a shape that is now adopted by most brands but with this Salomon S/Lab Phantasm, you don’t have any instability.
It’s hard to talk about the Salomon S/Lab Phantasm without addressing everything above the sole! Indeed, the foot envelopment wrap has been treated in a very original manner, it’s transparent. Such amazing lightness and manufacturing precision! Salomon has succeeded in making an extremely flexible foot envelopment very much like a sock. The structure does not seem to provide any support and yet you don’t feel any wavering, or imprecision. Superb work. There is also the question of the sock. It will be, in all cases, very thin. We also ran the Salomon S/Lab Phantasm barefoot, which works very well, no friction noted over short distances. Breathability is maximum with this mesh present throughout the structure. A downside? If the shoe looks great out of the box, once your foot is in it, you can see the inside and therefore your foot (see photo), it’s a sock and it is immediately less aesthetic (choose your socks carefully!).
There’s nothing to note about the lacing and the preformed tongue, it is all very efficient.
The Salomon S/Lab Phantasm is designed to be performant road running and provides superb manufacturing. Its sensations remain connected to the ground in the sense that it is less comfortable than most current racing shoes. The Phantasm is for light runners with an expert stride.
14 mm6 mm 
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
Receive your answers by mail. Do you have a particular question concerning the design, use, durability or other about a tested product? We will answer your question personally.
