Pile foundations are widely used in compressible soils such as calcareous sediments. Based on an introduction of the origin, distribution, basic physical properties and mechanical properties of calcareous soils, it is concluded that traditional driven piles are ineffective in calcareous soils and the reasons for it are analyzed. A review of the published literature pertaining to pile foundations in calcareous soils is summarized, and two new types of piles are described, along with their structural types, construction methods, bearing capacity characters, existing problems and comparison between them. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some improved schemes are proposed and new research approaches combing experiments with numerical simulation are suggested.