A magnetic head which includes a pole piece with a double pedestal structure has improved overwrite capabilities and reduced fringing fields. The magnetic head has first and second pole pieces and a gap layer which separates the first and the second pole pieces. The first pole piece includes a first pole piece layer, a bottom pedestal portion formed over the first pole piece layer at an air bearing surface (ABS), and a top pedestal portion formed over the bottom pedestal portion. The top pedestal portion has a thickness that is no more than half of that of the bottom pedestal portion and a length that is no more than half of that of the bottom pedestal portion. Advantageously, a throat height of the magnetic head is reduced from use of the top pedestal portion whereas the mechanical reliability of the first pole piece is increased from use of the bottom pedestal portion.