To elucidate the adhesion mechanism of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) designed to mimic natural contact surfaces in the gecko, their contact behavior was investigated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with manipulation stages. The normal adhesion of CNTs increases in direct relation with a preload, which is true also for gecko setae. The CNT shear strength increases concomitantly with increasing CNT length, indicating that the length is an important factor enabling conformation to the surface roughness and enabling generation of a strong contact by side contact. Results revealed the CNT configuration and surface physics as important factors for synthetic gecko adhesion.