The sidewall is a darker brown. Personally I had a lousy experience with the gators. Chunks of tire missing, puncture flats through the sidewalls and in the end I had a 5mm gash in the thread section that quickly expanded to 1.5 inches. Pricey too. Not impressed at all.

If you want bombproof go with 28mm Vittoria randonneurs $23 at the LBS. If you want a nicer ride and still great durability go for Vittoria Rubinos with the wirebead. Come in cool colors too. $23 at the LBS. Seems like a flimsier tire but so far I've had great luck with them.