Remember when off-road clipless pedals were a new thing?
Back then, it was Shimano SPD M737 or road pedals. And the M737 might have been the smartest off-road pedal design SHimano ever came up with. You can go in heel first or toe first, and the spring naction is easily adjustable.
I have two sets of these fine pedals. Both have been used and abused, but ridden and raced with love.