I know the answer to this and it is weird. The soles of geckos feet are covered in hairs so fine that they interact with the subtance that they are walking on at a molecular level and that's how they stick. Appearently the only substance that is known that it does not work on is teflon. Go to http//:www.wildlife news.co.uk and search on "gekkos feet" if you don't believe me!!
Actually I do believe you. I think it has to be the Van der Waals Force you are referring to. in any case thanks for the answer. you don't know by any chance where I could buy a pair of gloves working like that? might be interesting
The kids here hunt geckos using water pistols, they spray just above the little mite and when it skuttles away its hairy feet cant grip on the wet surface and they fall to the floor closely followed by a couple of kids who do something with them that I have not as yet dared to ask about :o(