Abstract A hydrostatic journal bearing with porous pads to improve its performance is designed. The porous pads, which are embedded in recesses of the hydrostatic journal bearing, not only allow lubricant to flow through them but also form a complete cylindrical surface with the bearing land. The load capacity of the hydrostatic bearing is thus maintained and the hydrodynamic effects strengthened. A theoretical model of the porous pads bearing is tested with the simulation software, and the parameters that critically affect the bearing performance are studied. Thus, the results obtained indicate that the porous pads bearing has higher load capacity and higher stiffness than a typical hydrostatic bearing with lower friction and lower end flow rate at high rotating speed.