Is it possible that i could have damaged a nerve in my big toe by wearing shoes that are too tight? the outer side is numb. will feeling return?

Nerve compression: What you are describing is most likely a temporary nerve compression or crush by your shoes to the nerve that runs down the side of your big toe. This is temporary and will clear. Try to get your shoe stretched!

Nerve compression: Tight, pointed toe shoes, high heels can compress the branch of the medial plantar nerve that provides sensation to the outer side of the big toe. Wearing shoes with ample toebox to prevent pressure on this nerve may in time restore sensation (depends on how long the numbness has been present as to whether sensation will return completely). Avoid high heels which squeeze toes into pointed toebox.

Yes and yes: Tight shoes can put pressur on the skin nerves and essentially shut them down from too much pressure. The nerve remains intact however and will recover in time, days or weeks.