We are often asked if our kneepads can work on extreme/tough surfaces. The answer is yes, that is exactly what they were designed to do! Our rugged white Rubber Boots are made to hold up against even the grittiest of job sites. Composed of a 4.75mm thick 3-ply polynitrile rubber, ProKnee’s boots have been rigorously tried & tested for the past 35 years in all floor covering environments from tile to stone masonry and everything in between.
Both ProKnee kneepad models, 0714/0714E custom fit as well as AP16 All Purpose, utilize our iconic white rubber boot that aid our flat bottom design, creating stability as you kneel on literally anything. Featured in this photo is Lester Tabora (Floor Covering Solutions in New Jersey, USA). He says, “Having the ability to kneel over any surface without fear of knee rollover is the greatest ease of mind. ”
Our boots are easy to switch out as they screw to the frame, so having a spare set is a great way to frequently transition from one type of jobsite to the next. This replaceable part is a highly cost-effective way to keep your kneepads working without investing in a new set of pads. Most contractors go at least 1-2 years before replacing any parts on any of our ProKnee kneepad models. Liners & boots tend to get the toughest wear and therefore, are our most popular choice of replacement parts, known as a “Parts Kit”.
Our boots’ non-skid, non-marking properties make them an excellent choice for hardwoods and other delicate work surfaces as well. Pro Tip: Even the cleanest environments are still subject to grit from walk thru traffic which can stick to the surface of any device you kneel or walk on and cause scratching, so as with any tool, it is important to clean them at the end of your work day or on an as-needed basis to keep the surface free from grit and transferable grime. For cleaning, we recommend scraping off as much residue as possible using a hand scraper. We’ve also seen some tile setters blast off grit with a grinder & 200 grit sandpaper. Then wipe remaining residue with Clorox wipes or charcoal lighter fluid until surface is free from grit and grime.
Alternatively, many fitters cover their boots with tape so they can peel off after the job, instead of cleaning. However, bear in mind when you tape the front, as the tape breaks down to reveal its adhesive, you’re actually setting up for more dirt and grime to stick to the front of your pads.
Donny Micken of DM Tile in Maryland, US says, “In case you needed another reason to make the jump to ProKnee Knee Pads… I’ve had this pair for over 4 years and they get used almost every day. Today I finally got around to rebuilding them so they will be good as new and should get another 4 years out of them before having to do it again!⠀Considering how superior these are to any other kneepads on the market, they are well worth the cost. The rebuild kits are really affordable too, about half the cost of a new pair!⠀If you haven’t gotten yourself a pair yet, DO IT!”
All of ProKnee’s parts are completely replaceable, aside from the frames, so you can upgrade just the parts you need, (like our boots) or get a Complete Rebuild kit to give your well-worn kneepads a refresh for a fraction of the cost of new. Unsure of what you’ll prefer? Pop by Floormart in Leicester, ProKnee’s exclusive distributor of the UK to try them on in person.