A read head comprises: a bottom shield layer; a top shield layer; an MR element disposed between the bottom shield layer and the top shield layer; a bottom shield gap film disposed between the bottom shield layer and the MR element; and a top shield gap film disposed between the top shield layer and the MR element. The MR element has a first end closer to the air bearing surface and a second end opposite to the first end. An adjacent layer made of a metal material is adjacent to the second end with an insulating film disposed in between. The material making up the adjacent layer has a linear thermal expansion coefficient whose absolute value is 6.times.10.sup.-6/.degree. C. or smaller at a temperature of 30.degree. C., and preferably 1.times.10.sup.-6/.degree. C. or smaller.