Inorganic aerogels with low density, high porosity, large specific surface area, and superior mechanical properties are excellent candidate materials in fields such as thermal management, energy, catalysis, and biomedical applications. A comprehensive overview of existing elastic inorganic aerogels is provided, covering their structural units, preparation methods, mechanical performances, and applications. Meanwhile, based on the constituent building blocks and microstructures, a detailed analysis of the mechanical properties and guidelines for elastic design of aerogels is presented. Concluding with a succinct summary of prospective developmental direction, this review deliberates on the challenges and potential opportunities of elastic inorganic aerogels, with the intent of providing a versatile platform for designing new types of elastic inorganic aerogels for various applications.