I can only speak for myself but I prefer LOOK pedals. I have never been able to find mtn bike shoes that will accept LOOK cleats. I suppose even if I found them, the cleats would still be difficult to walk in

I don't know if there is a better pedal/cleat combo out there. What I like about what I have is that it just seems so solid and there is more pedal space than my spd's had.

My bike shoes (Specialized Torch) have built-up rubber parts on the heel and toe so I can walk in them ok. My spin class shoes (Diadora with SPDs but they are road shoes) are scary slippery.