3D Advanced Chassis Explained
In brief: 3D Advanced Chassis is Salomon's proprietary stability platform, set between the midsole and outsole of trail and hiking footwear. The low-profile insert resists torsional twist, manages energy and adds underfoot protection so the foot stays controlled on uneven ground. It is built for stability-first hiking and rugged trail use rather than fast, flexible racing.
What is 3D Advanced Chassis?
3D Advanced Chassis is Salomon's proprietary stability platform, positioned between the midsole and the outsole of trail and hiking footwear. It is a low-profile structure designed to optimise motion control and energy management while adding a layer of underfoot protection. Rather than softening the ride, its job is to keep the foot stable and aligned when the ground beneath it is anything but. On loose, rocky or off-camber terrain the chassis resists unwanted twisting and stops the foot rolling excessively, so each stride lands with more confidence. It is one of the structural elements that gives Salomon's hiking and trail shoes their planted, sure-footed feel over long days in technical country.
How does it work?
The chassis is typically built from firm TPU or a dense foam insert and works by adding torsional rigidity to the platform. Torsion is the twisting force the foot experiences when it lands across a slope or on an angled rock; left unchecked it can throw off balance and tire the foot. By resisting that flex, the 3D Advanced Chassis keeps the platform stable and helps prevent excessive foot roll during lateral movements. In independent testing it has scored highly for torsional rigidity, reflecting its stability-first design. It also helps manage energy underfoot, working alongside the cushioning so the shoe feels protective without becoming vague or unstable on rough ground.
Where is it used?
3D Advanced Chassis is found in Salomon's stability-oriented trail and hiking footwear, where control matters more than outright speed. It pairs with Salomon's EnergyCell+ midsole foam, combining a responsive, durable ride with a firm structural base. The result suits hikers carrying a pack, walkers on mixed terrain, and trail users who want a planted feel underfoot. It is the structural counterpart to Salomon's softer guidance systems: where lighter platforms flex with the foot, this chassis holds firm, making it the right choice for protection-led use rather than minimalist, ground-feel-focused running.
How does it compare to Active Chassis?
Salomon makes more than one chassis, and they sit at opposite ends of a spectrum. The 3D Advanced Chassis is the rigid option, built for maximum torsional control and underfoot protection on demanding terrain. The Active Chassis, by contrast, is the lightweight, flexible option that guides the foot dynamically for agility-focused trail running. Choosing between them comes down to use: if you want stability, protection and a planted feel for hiking or rugged trails, the 3D Advanced Chassis is the platform to look for. If you prioritise speed, flexibility and ground feel, Salomon's lighter guidance systems are a better match.
Which shoes feature it?
At OD's, 3D Advanced Chassis features in Salomon trail and hiking models including the XA Pro 3D and the X Ultra hiking series. These are shoes engineered for control on uneven terrain, where the firm chassis works with grippy outsoles and protective uppers to keep the wearer steady over rocks, roots and loose surfaces. If you spend long days on technical ground or want a shoe that feels secure underfoot rather than soft and bouncy, this is the technology to prioritise. It is a defining part of what makes Salomon's hiking range feel so dependable in the hills.
3D Advanced Chassis at OD's Designer Clothing
At OD's Designer Clothing we stock Salomon trail and hiking footwear built around the 3D Advanced Chassis, alongside running shoes from On, Saucony and Salomon for every kind of terrain. The stability platform delivers real confidence on uneven ground, which is why it is a favourite among hikers and trail walkers. We offer next-day delivery and free click and collect, and our team at the St Helens store can talk you through the differences between Salomon's chassis systems so you choose the right pair. Whether you are heading into the hills or building a versatile outdoor wardrobe, we can help you find shoes that match how and where you walk.