I started with flats, ended up with a ton of shin scrapes because I kept slipping pedals even with good shoes and good pedals. I rode clipless for 2 months and it wasn’t for me so I switched back to flats. Now I can keep my feet on the pedals much easier because I was forced into the right position.

Ultimately it’s all personal choice, I like what Jeff Kendall-Weed said about reducing the consequences of mistakes by switching to flats.

Like a ski binding, you can adjust the resistance on your clipless pedals. It takes a few days of pract, but you can basically pop right out on demand if you lead with your heel.

I’ve run clipless on gravel and snowy trails and city streets (Boston) for a decade now and have never had a problem with an emergency “dismount”.

Like you eluded, the shows for clipless are way more versatile, mine have a sole around the cleat that allow me to walk around like a street shoe.

+1 for Giro vr70

Started with clips on the trails and never really had an issue with falling but I rode easy trails and I rode conservatively.

Switched to flats to get better at jumping and never switched back. I was really surprised how well the shoes grip the flats to the point where I didn’t feel much loss of efficiency.

Now I ride a lot more aggressively and while I rarely need to bail… I think flats are just superior.

What kind of MTB terrain are you riding? Clipless can be great for cross country, especially on a hardtail. You can rattle over rock gardens and not worry about your feet shaking off the pedals. Though I’m flats only if there’s significant downhill jumps, drops, etc. Having the ability to bail quickly is too important there.