The present invention relates to acquisition layers for use in absorbent articles, preferably of the disposable personal hygiene type. It discloses absorbent articles (7) comprising a liquid permeable topsheet (8), a liquid impermeable backsheet (9), an absorbent core (1) between the topsheet (8) and the backsheet (9) and an acquisition layer (2) between the topsheet (8) and the absorbent core (1), said acquisition layer (2) having a width (w) and a length (l) along an acquisition plane and a thickness (t) extending perpendicular thereto. The absorbent core (1) comprises at least one absorbent material selected from the group consisting of fibrous absorbent materials and highly absorbent polymers. The acquisition layer (2) comprises a polymeric foam having an open cell and interconnected porous structure comprising an anisotropic cell structure having an axis of anisotropy (4) extending substantially parallel to a longest length of a plurality of substantially neighbouring cells (6), which is substantially perpendicular to the acquisition plane.