A process for producing an elastic silicate foam by foaming a mixture comprising 10% to 80% by weight of an aqueous dispersion of SiO2 particles A) which have an average particle diameter in the range from 1 to 100 nm, 5% to 30% by weight of a polymer B) in solution in water, 10% to 50% by weight of a blowing agent C), 1% to 5% by weight of an emulsifier D), 0.01% to 5% by weight of a crosslinker E) which is reactive with the polymer B), and also the foam obtainable by the process, and the use of the foam.