I have other Merrell shoes and are at 44.5 just right. The Trail Gloves but I could put in 44.5 with great difficulty. Do not allow the tightness in the middle shock, once you get through is there, it's OK. Now I have read elsewhere that the Barefoot Shoes from Merrell turn all small and you should order one size larger. Since making the jump from 44.5 to 45 but was only minimally, I'll be bound to 46. Now they are forward perhaps a tad too "airy" but matches the rest.
I also have a pair of Vibram Five Fingers and compared so that the Merrell Trail Glove are significantly less "permeable" for ground sensations, but a lot of "permeable" than ordinary shoes. In my eyes they are therefore a good transition from "classic" shoes for Barefoot shoes.
