Reinforced open cell microstructured foams were prepared by the polymerization of high internal phase emulsions incorporating inorganic thickeners. Organoclays were used as oil phase thickener, and sodium montmorillonite was used as aqueous phase thickener. Rheological properties of emulsions increased as oil phase thickener concentration and agitation speed increased, due to the reduced drop size reflecting both competition between continuous and dispersed phase viscosities and increase of shear force. Drop size variation with thickener concentration could be explained by a dimensional analysis between capillary number and viscosity ratio. Upon the foams polymerized by the emulsions, compression properties, such as crush strength and Young’s modulus were measured and compared. Among the microcellular foams, the foam incorporated with an organoclay having reactive group showed outstanding properties. It is speculated that the exfoliated silicate layers inside polystyrene matrix, resulting in nanocomposite foam, are the main reason why this foam has enhanced properties.