I don't think that's the issue. The author has a large bunion on his left foot (or is holding it as a very odd angle) and may have gait issues. I am an inveterate people watcher and am often surprised by others' posture and gait. It may be that his toes are doing extra work to compensate and with each step are pulling the toe box of a normal pair of socks forward. This would tie in with some other points they made about foot health/comfort problems.

I walk tens of miles every week at marching pace, mostly wearing the same shoes, and never have any of these problems, other than one very small recurring callous. I've never tried toe socks but am OK wit Japanese style tabi.