Abstract: A method for the preparation of microcellular elastomeric polyurethane foams from a reaction mixture comprising a polyisocyanate component containing at least 85% by weight of 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate or a variant thereof, a polyol composition comprising at least one polyoxyalkylene polyol having an average nominal hydroxyl functionality of from 2 to 6, an average hydroxyl equivalent weight of at least 1300 and an average oxyethylene content of between 50 and 85% by weight, water, a chain extender having an average hydroxyl equivalent weight of from 15 to 250 and optionally a crosslinking agent, the hardblock-content being more than 45% by weight.