You can’t judge a mixtape by its cover, but the cover of Wale’s 100 Miles & Running has his name written with two sneaker laces, so this cover is definitely telling you something. His new Mixtape About Nothing shows that he’s a huge Seinfeld fan and one of his answers proves that he was paying attention to Jerry’s feet. If you don’t know Wale yet, you’ve overslept. Rise and shine at myspace.com/wale202.

First pair that made you say, “Wow, I need those.”
Nike Diamond Turf 2s. I had Jordans before that, but Deion was so important to football at the time and that was my sport.

Favorite pair?
Jordan 3s or Nike Air Max Uptempo, the black and neon Reggie Miller joints. I nicknamed them the Gatorades.

Favorite brand?
Nike and Jordan.

Favorite box/packaging?
Black and orange cardboard box with the black swoosh on top.  From the mid to late ’90s.

Your favorite sneaker lyric from yourself?
“Watching Breakfast at Tiffany’s while eating breakfast in Tiffany’s.”

Your favorite sneaker lyric by someone else?
“I’m an addict for sneakers, twenties of Buddha and bitches with beepers.” —Nas

Thing you hate about sneakers?
When they bastardize a shoe with ridiculous colorways until they look fake.

Thing you love about sneakers?
Everything!

Personal sneaker rule?
Quality over hype.

You have a pair that you’ve never worn?
I have several I’ve never worn.  My favorite ones are some that Nike won’t let me tell you they even exist.

You get to design a sneaker with one designer; who would it be?
Tinker Hatfield.

Favorite sneaker shop?
Flight Club LA or NY.

Thoughts on the current sneaker culture?
Oversaturated.

Favorite sneaker scene from a movie?
Jerry Seinfeld wore some Balteros one time.  Also, in House Party, Pee Wee from Full Force rocking Jordan IVs.

Favorite sneaker commercial?
Christmastime Diamond Turf 2 commercial where they’re like “It’s the shoe, it’s Deion Sanders’ shoe.” Also the Lil Penny campaign, and the Jordan/Stevie Wonder commercial.

Pair that you still can’t find in your size?
Diamond Turf 2!

What are you wearing right now?
I’m actually on the way to the Portland airport from Nike, and I’m rocking some Foamposites that haven’t come out yet.

When you go out on tour, how many pairs do you take with you?
’Bout 11 pairs.

How many pairs do you own?
300–400.

When do you not wear sneakers?
When I’m sleeping.

If you’re not wearing sneakers, what’s on your feet?
Skin, socks or flip-flops.