Zach Rumbaugh’s Doernbecher Air Jordan 17 is a Mechanical Marvel

18-year-old Zach Rumbaugh is a tinkerer. From bikes to cars and everything in between, Zach likes to get under the hood and figure out how to make things go fast. So when Rumbaugh, who suffers from Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), a rare genetic heart disorder, had the opportunity to participate in the 21st annual Nike Doernbecher Freestyle Program, he knew exactly what silhouette to design, bringing his hobbies in line with Michael Jordan’s love for racing on a technically detailed Air Jordan 17.

The Doernbecher x Air Jordan 17 Retro Zach Rumbaugh turns Jordan’s 17th signature model into a racecar with sleek shades of purple on the one-piece toe, carbon fiber accents on the side panels and heel, and shiny silver accents throughout. Adding as many personal touches as possible, the shoe features a cat drawing on the vamp, music notes on the tongue sheath, and a baseball pendant worked into the laces. The tongue logo creates Zach’s own racing squad, just like Jordan’s NASCAR team, with “Team Zach Rumbaugh” written in red. The bolts on the lace eyelets bring even more Jordan inspiration, modeled after the GOAT’s personal motorcycle.

Perhaps the most personal touch of all, Rumbaugh added the number 38 in as many places as possible, on the lace toggle, a hangtag, the insoles, and as a lace pendant, to represent the number of days he spent in the hospital after suffering sudden cardiac arrest. “I’m really thankful for the doctors who saved my life,” Rumbaugh said.

The Doernbecher x Air Jordan 17 Retro Zach Rumbaugh will be released Spring 2026 through Nike and select Jordan retailers. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $230. For all the latest Doernbecher x Nike news and drop info, download the Sole Retriever mobile app.