I don't know why they discontinued the white Sperrys with brown laces but I haven't bought them before so I bought them cheaper now. Although ankle boots have been out of fashion for many years, I usually wear them all the time. Unlike other shoes, the Gold Cup series is actually comfortable to wear. I usually wear 10.5 sometimes 11 but Sperry boots require me to get 11.5 so be careful with that. I'm a little late with the white shoes as this is my first pair but I'm looking forward to wearing them this summer.