The Fento Story
How it all began
A Dutch sailmaker with knee problems
In 2000, sailmaker René van Rijn suffered from chronic knee pain. His doctor referred him to Geert Kaal, a physiotherapist specializing in knee and back complaints.
After ten treatments, the pain initially disappeared – but returned in full force after three months. René had already tried several kneepads, but none truly helped.
The two investigated how the knee actually behaves during work, and had dozens of people pressed into foam molds to find the right ergonomic shape. Several prototypes were then tested by real "knee professions" – floor layers, parquet layers, tile layers, and construction workers. Five years of development later, the first model was ready for market.
2000
The idea is born – dozens of molds to find the right ergonomics
5 years
Development & tests with real floor layers, tile and parquet layers
Market launch
Smallest stand at a trade fair – sold out after two days
Today
Millions of users in over 25 countries trust FENTO
The principle behind it: a kneepad that does not concentrate pressure on the kneecap, but distributes it evenly over the lower leg – lightweight, breathable and water-repellent.
SWITZERLANDFrom the Alps to your hands
We ourselves have worked on our knees for years and know the pain of poorly fitting kneepads from our own experience. When we came across FENTO, it was immediately clear to us: this technology must also come to Switzerland.
As the official Swiss Fento dealer, we have been bringing you the award-winning kneepads directly to your home since 2026 – with shipping from Switzerland, personal support, and the same ergonomic principle that has already convinced over a million users worldwide.
