This invention relates to a process for producing water-absorbing composites comprising the steps of foaming an aqueous mixture comprising at least one monoethylenically unsaturated monomer bearing acid groups, at least one crosslinker, at least one initiator and at least one surfactant, contacting the foam obtained with at least one web of synthetic fibers and polymerizing, to the composites themselves and to their use for absorbing aqueous fluids.