The Unparallel looks pretty good, ironically I've even considered some NOS of Teva LinksIon has an asymmetrical cuff that might be good: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/review-ion-raid-amp-ii-flat-pedal-shoes-with-plenty-of-grip.html
Ride Concepts also has that design: https://rideconcepts.com/collections/flow-series
I am not sure how much protection these offer but Unparallel Sports are making a shoe similar to the Teva (which offered nice support and protection): https://www.pinkbike.com/news/sunday-randoms-sea-otter-2019.html
https://www.unparallelsports.com/product-category/mountain-biking/
I'm sold, getting them before my next trip to MCBP as there's nothing else like themI have these^^^
They are great but bricks. Too hot for warm days.
Now regulated to DH and winters.