i just got a mtn bike- although the lbs insisted i start out with platforms..lol that lasted only a week... i bought shimano 959s and the womens shoe M082- a good fit- strong enough with a comfortable feel if you have to get off your bike i was used to spdx2 and specialized comps on my roadie, the x2 took a while to work in.
i find the 959s a LOT easier to get in/out of.