Wale is getting into the sneaker preservation business.
On Wednesday, the Grammy-nominated rapper was named chief creative officer and equity partner of CapSole. Financial details about Wale’s investment in the company were not disclosed.
In his role, Wale will help shape the sneaker preservation company’s creative vision, cultural partnerships and next phase of growth. Through his creative partnership, CapSole noted that it intends to position preservation as an “essential part” of the sneaker lifecycle for collectors, sneakerheads, athletes and the next generation.
In a statement exclusively sent to FN, Wale described CapSole as a company that he “genuinely believes in.”
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“What Darren [Lee] has built since he founded the brand in 2019 gives sneakerheads an innovative way to protect their collections for years to come,” Wale said. “I knew I wanted my involvement to go beyond putting my name on the brand, which is why coming on as chief creative officer and co-owner was important to me. I see an opportunity to bring my creative perspective to the business, help shape the brand’s presence in the sneaker space, and contribute to its growth. I’m excited about what we can build together.”
Founder and chief executive officer Darren Lee added that this move is about “more than protecting sneakers.”
“It’s about preserving the stories, culture and memories attached to them,” Lee said. “Having Wale invest in CapSole and help lead our creative vision is a powerful next step in making preservation part of how the culture thrives.”
Founded by Lee in 2019, CapSole was born from his personal frustration with watching the sneakers he loved deteriorate over time. Working with chemical engineers and preservation specialists, Lee developed a system designed to combat the environmental factors that contribute to sneaker degradation while helping slow yellowing.
CapSole is built around a reusable, airtight pod and proprietary preservative technology. Beyond storage, the brand aims to create a culture around preservation and sustainability, ensuring collectors’ sneakers are protected for both sentimental value and investment longevity.
Earlier this year, “Shark Tank” posted an unaired pitch featuring Lee and CapSole on its Youtube channel. In the spot, Lee was looking for $175,000 in exchange for 10 percent equity in their company. No “sharks” took the deal.
As for Wale, he isn’t new to the sneaker world. Indeed, the rapper got his own Nike shoe in 2025.
Released in December, the Wale x Nike G.T. Future channeled the love one of hip-hop’s most famed sneakerheads has for Foamposites. A molded upper connects the contemporary basketball sneaker with its predecessor from 2007 and is rendered in “Photo Blue” for Wale’s pair. No marks on the sneaker itself connect it with him, but Wale’s name does come on a removable iridescent keychain that matches the Swoosh branding throughout.
Aside from his sneaker choices, Wale has touted his sneaker credentials throughout his career in music. His 2007 song “Nike Boots” espouses the significance of the Goadome in his native DMV area, a region that’s also known for its embrace of Foamposites.
