Active Chassis Explained
In brief: Active Chassis is Salomon's lightweight guidance system for agility-focused trail footwear. Unlike the rigid 3D Advanced Chassis, it provides dynamic support that moves with the foot while keeping directional control. Built from flexible TPU elements or shaped foam, it guides rather than restricts, making it ideal for fast trail running where agility and ground feel matter most.
What is Active Chassis?
Active Chassis is Salomon's lightweight guidance system, designed for agility-focused trail footwear. Where some stability platforms hold the foot firmly in place, Active Chassis takes a more dynamic approach: it provides support that moves with the foot while still maintaining directional control. The idea is to guide rather than restrict, so the shoe feels quick and responsive over technical ground without losing its sense of where it is going. For runners who want to feel the trail beneath them and react fast to changing surfaces, this kind of flexible guidance is a real advantage. It is one of the features that gives Salomon's faster trail and racing shoes their nimble, connected character.
How does it work?
Active Chassis is built from flexible TPU elements or shaped foam that guide the foot without creating a rigid sensation underfoot. Instead of locking the platform against twisting, it allows controlled, natural movement while steering the foot in the right direction. This dynamic support helps the runner stay efficient and balanced on uneven trails, absorbing some of the unpredictability of the surface while keeping the stride on track. Because it adds support through shape and material placement rather than bulk, it keeps weight low, which matters when you are running fast and want every gram to count. The result is a platform that feels alive and reactive rather than stiff.
Where is it used?
Active Chassis is found in Salomon's performance trail shoes, the models aimed at runners who prioritise speed and agility over outright protection. It suits fast trail running, racing and any situation where ground feel and quick footwork matter. Rather than the planted, protective feel of a heavier hiking platform, Active Chassis delivers a lighter, more connected ride. That makes it a natural fit for competitive trail runners and anyone who enjoys moving quickly across technical terrain, picking lines and reacting to the ground in real time.
How does it compare to 3D Advanced Chassis?
Active Chassis and 3D Advanced Chassis are designed for different priorities. The 3D Advanced Chassis is rigid, built for maximum torsional control and underfoot protection on demanding hiking and rugged trail terrain. Active Chassis is its lightweight counterpart: flexible, dynamic and tuned for agility rather than firmness. If you want a planted, protective platform for long days in the hills, the rigid chassis is the better choice. If you want speed, flexibility and ground feel for fast trail running, Active Chassis is the system to look for. Many runners own both kinds of shoe for different days.
Which shoes feature it?
At OD's, Active Chassis features in Salomon performance trail models including the Genesis, the S/Lab Genesis and other racing-oriented shoes. These are built for runners who value a quick, agile ride and want the shoe to respond to the trail rather than dictate to it. Paired with grippy outsoles and secure, lightweight uppers, the flexible guidance of Active Chassis helps these models feel fast and confident on technical ground. If your running leans towards speed and you want to feel connected to the terrain, these are the Salomon shoes to consider.
Active Chassis at OD's Designer Clothing
At OD's Designer Clothing we stock Salomon performance trail footwear built around Active Chassis, alongside running shoes from On, Saucony and Salomon for road and trail alike. The system suits runners who prioritise speed and agility, delivering support that moves with the foot. We offer next-day delivery and free click and collect, and our team at the St Helens store can help you weigh up agility against protection so you choose the right Salomon platform for your running. Whether you are chasing trail times or simply want a quick, connected ride, we can point you towards the pair that fits your style.