Slider including at least one pad including shape memory alloy layer with titanium oxide contact layer. When slider contacts disk surface, pad(s) undergoes solid-to-solid phase change from the first to second phase, absorbing energy and possibly deforming. When contact is removed, the pad recovers its shape as shape metal alloy undergoes a reverse solid-to-solid phase change. A shape memory alloy of elements refers to any molecular or crystalline combination which is a solid possessing the shape memory property of at least two solid phases in the operating and storage conditions of a hard disk drive. A head gimbal assembly including the slider, head stack assembly including at least one head gimbal assembly, and the hard disk drive including the head stack assembly. Manufacturing methods for the slider, the head gimbal assembly, the head stack assembly, and the hard disk drive, as well as the products of these manufacturing processes.