A slider (2') with a reduced fly height is disclosed. The slider includes a small micropad (66) on the lower surface (22') of the slider (2'). A sensor region (62) of a head (61) that is carried by the slider (2') protrudes into the micropad (66). The fluid pressure acting on an air bearing surface system (26) on the lower surface (22') of the slider (2') is insufficient to dispose the entire lower surface (22') of the slider (2') in spaced relation to its corresponding disk (136) during the initial portion of the very first operation of the disk drive. The micropad (66) is thereby burnished, and continues to burnish until the air bearing surface system (26) assumes a position relative to the disk (136) that allows the fluid pressure acting on the air bearing surface system (26) to dispose the entire lower surface (22') of the slider (2') in spaced relation to the disk (136).