It's fairly well known among the pedal scientists that more contact surface means more stability between pedal and shoe. Alright, we know that there aren't really people in lab coats conducting experiments on pedals, but Shimano has this pedal really thought out. The Shimano XTR PD-M9120 does have a wider contact area for more security, with a platform with chamfered edges. If you do want to unclip those edges on the added platform give you some extra grip. This pedal has an improved axle durability and the cylindrical contact surface easily sheds mud and debris. This makes for consistent clipping-in and out. The M9120 pedals will give you total control between shoe and pedal whether you're shredding down an enduro trail or sprinting up a climb in an XC race.

Wider and longer contact area provides more solid pedal – shoe interface and transmits power efficiently for better bike control
Fine tuned to work efficiently with both ME and AM shoes
Integrated cage not only protects the binding from impacts but also makes stepping-in easier working as a guide
Better bike control
Improved axle durability
1.0 mm cleat spacer included
Dual sided binding
Cleat included: SM-SH51
Reflector: SM-PD60
Pedal type: Off-Road (SPD)
Cartridge axle
Cleat retention adjuster
Integrated cage
Sealed mechanism