>>717769165
Hori controllers will be your best bet for modern ones. I have a switch pro (original wired controller, they ended up redesigning them and i can't vouch for those) and the dpad on it is excellent.
I also have a 6 button "Fighting Commander" and it's good but not as good as their switch pro.

Personally though if i'm emulating contra i use a Sega Saturn pad + USB adapter. Absolutely nothing matches it.
>>717769260
Their dpads are atrocious.