XC or CX? Bit of a difference.

I bought a cross bike used recently and it came with spd's. I had the shoes already so tried it. It came in super handy. At first there was a hill I was practicing "run ups" on foot. Then said, let's try to make it on the bike. Made it. Would not have happened otherwise.

I bet flats in cross would be fine for a beginner like me. Especially if there are a ton of dismounts. I'm not going to bunny hop barriers and smash my face by going OTB.