J.P.
First, the easy one...socks. Get a good microfiber/wicking sock. The regular socks hold moisture and cause friction, and that may be a lot of the rub on your toe. Start with new socks. There are some great ones at Dick's.
Another issue could be how you are putting on and tying your shoes. A shoe rep once instructed me to put on the shoe, bang my heel on the floor to get my heel positioned properly at the back of the shoe, then tie snugly. Your toe may be too far towards the front of the show. Also check that you are not gripping the shoe with your toes when you walk. This is common when you walk at a very fast pace. Keep your toes and feet relaxed.
You should also go back to NB store and tell them exactly what is happening. They may be able to offer other solutions.
Finally, I just "invested" in a pair of MBTs from Hathaway Shoes (74th & Wornall). I say invested because they were around $250, but I have to say I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEM!!! They take a bit to get used to, but they are amazingly comfortable. I use them mainly for walking but have done some runnng in them. The website says it is OK to train in them but you would not want to wear them in a race event. (They are a bit heavy for a race.) There are other shops that carry MBTs...you might try them on for a test drive.
Good luck and keep up the fitness!