How it started

In the year 2000 sailmaker René van Rijn went to his doctor with chronic knee complaints. He was referred to Geert Kaal, physiotherapist and specialized in knee and back complaints. After ten treatments, René’s knee problems disappeared, but after 3 months he returned with exactly the same physical symptoms. But now so bad that he could no longer work on his knees.

René had already bought and tested several knee protectors, but nothing helped him to prevent his knee and back problems. This was the moment he asked Geert: “Can you help me develop a knee protector that allows me to continue working?” After studying the “knee position” dozens of people were put into “form-foam” to find the right ergonomic shape. After this, several prototypes were made and tested by various ‘knee sitters’ such as carpet layers, parquet layers, tilers and construction workers.

The idea was born, we must develop a knee protector where the pressure is not concentrated on the knee – but is distributed across the lower leg. In addition, it must be lightweight, breathable, and water-resistant. Five years later, the first model was ready for the market. Geert & Rene rented the smallest stand at a contrstuction trade fair and after two days they were sold out. The rest is history, with more than 1 million happy FENTO users in more than 25 countries all over the world.

"After studying the knee position dozens of people were put into form-foam to find the right ergonomic shape."

Move painlessly at home, play with the (grand) children, bike and walk, get up easily from bed or the couch. That’s what we do it for. FENTO knee pads relax your knees and spare your back.