[}{arlequin]

for street riding kevlar reinforced jeans (Ku$hitani and Draggin' are the two brands that come to mind although I'm sure there are more) are probably ok

regular jeans shred as if they were made of paper... trust me

if it's for the track, I'd go w/ zip-in pants at the minimum, full suit is better. Imagine if you're sliding on your back or stomach, but with your feet forward. The jacket will ride up and you'll be picking pebbles out of your back/front.

as for boots, doc's won't prevent a shattered/broken ankle- your worst possible foot injury (other than having it separate) You can get some "tame" looking boots that will have all the required shims/splints/padding and reinforcement if you don't like the power ranger look. Your toes are just one area to protect. Once you go down, you'll realize that while sliding, your ankles take a lot of beating. Regular boots won't cut it.

like stated above-- dress for a crash