A main pole has an end face located in a medium facing surface, and first through sixth side surfaces. The first and third side surfaces are connected to the end face of the main pole. The second and fourth side surfaces are located farther from the medium facing surface than are the first and third side surfaces. The fifth side surface connects the first side surface to the second side surface. The sixth side surface connects the third side surface to the fourth side surface. The distance between the first side surface and the third side surface decreases with increasing proximity to the top surface of the substrate. The shape of the first side surface is defined by a first side shield. The shape of the third side surface is defined by a second side shield.