If you only know Patrick Schwarzenegger as The White Lotus‘ newest gym bro-in-residence — Saxon Ratliff, the protein-guzzling, cringe-inducing alpha male of Season 3 — you might be surprised to find out that the real Patrick is… actually kind of the opposite.
Off-screen, he’s soft-spoken, self-aware, and yes, still extremely into fitness — but in a way that feels a lot more grounded. Less “bro” and more “runner’s high.” That’s what makes his new partnership with Brooks Running feel like a smart, fitting move.
In a new campaign video for Brooks, Schwarzenegger jogs through New York City while answering rapid-fire questions: Shirt on or shirt off? (Jacket on, thank you very much.) Post-run movie? (Depends — cliffhanger or happy ending?) It’s light, but also personal.
He talks about how running clears his head, helps him de-stress, and keeps him feeling like himself. “Fitness has always been part of my life,” he says, “but running probably started in high school.”
These aren’t just talking points. While filming White Lotus in Thailand, Schwarzenegger was lacing up his Brooks Glycerin Max shoes between takes, getting his miles in to stay fit for the role. He’s been wearing Brooks gear for a while now — long before any campaign dollars were involved.
That kind of organic brand loyalty is rare in celebrity partnerships, and Brooks seems to know it. The campaign doesn’t overplay the star power. It’s just Patrick, a guy who runs, sharing what works for him.
Why Brooks?
For the uninitiated: Brooks might not have the mainstream cachet of Nike or Adidas, but among serious runners, the brand has long been a go-to.
Founded over a century ago and now owned by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, the Seattle-based company has built a quiet empire around comfort, support, and performance.
Schwarzenegger’s favorite? The Glycerin Max and Ghost Max 2, two models known for their plush cushioning and all-day wearability. He wears them on long runs and while traveling. For gym days, he swaps in the Hyperion 2 or Launch 11.
Here’s the thing: Brooks isn’t just chasing athletes anymore. The brand has been pivoting, slowly but surely, into lifestyle territory — a shift helped along by designer Jeff Staple, who’s collaborating with the company to give its gear a bit more edge.
“Why don’t they have anything for lifestyle or fashion or people who just really like sneakers?” Staple told GQ earlier this year. Fair point. With this new wave of more wearable, stylish silhouettes — plus star-powered endorsements that actually make sense — Brooks is starting to land outside the running crowd.
Schwarzenegger, with his mix of athletic pedigree and down-to-earth charm, is the ideal bridge. Yes, his dad is that Schwarzenegger, but Patrick’s not out here trying to become the next Mr. Olympia. He just wants to go for a good run, get a little sweat in, and maybe watch a movie afterward.
What Makes This Work
It’s tempting to eye any celebrity-brand partnership with skepticism. Is it authentic? Is it just a paycheck? But in this case, the match actually works. Schwarzenegger isn’t trying to convince anyone he’s something he’s not. He’s not pushing some miracle product or a shoe he’d never wear. He just… runs. A lot. And he happens to do it in Brooks.
The fact that he’s been using their gear for years before this campaign even existed gives the whole thing a rare kind of credibility. It doesn’t feel like marketing. It feels like a guy inviting you to join him on his morning jog.
And honestly? That might be more effective than any sales pitch.
