This is my first build on Mobafire, so please, any constructive criticism would be appreciated :)

This is how I play Irelia, with great success. This build focuses on taking advantage of her amazing true damage by stacking attack speed and improving both survivability and chasing with Frozen Mallet.

TO IRELIA PLAYERS: this site lacks a highly rated, successful Irelia build! I find great success with this build but ANY suggestions and comments are very much welcomed! Each step moves us closer to a perfect Irelia build :D

Please read through this (relatively short, work in progress) guide, and try it before you vote. :)

The runes chosen are pretty standard melee AD carry runes, no need for too much explanation here.

Again, standard AD carry masteries here, because that's what you are with this build. ;)

There of course is room for adjustment in any build, but this is my most used, most effective, "core" if you will.

You can opt for more early game survivability by getting Phage before Zeal, but smart playstyle should keep you alive early game with my order.

You can also get a Banshee's or any other defensive item before last on the build, but again, you're a carry and you should be doing so, not tanking.

Skill sequence is controversial on Irelia. I clearly max W first, as it provides for lane dominance with the passive healing as well as amazing damage if someone decides to get too friendly.

In some cases, I level Q and W equally when things aren't going according to plan, such as I need to harass more, or am being pushed, in which case I make sure to get Equilibrium Strike for those clutch turret-stuns. :D

Irelia's playstyle is unique. She's not the same as any other AD melee carry, you have to learn when and how to use your Equilibrium Strike.

With your armor pen runes you'll be able to shred through people early game, so play with a lane partner that allows you to be aggressive. Jump in with your Hiten Style -> Bladesurge combo and land a few hits for some very heavy harass.

At level 4, your Bladesurge -> Equilibrium Strike makes for an easy harass without punishment in most cases. And if you can land a few hits with Hiten Style active, you'll have the enemies playing very cautiously.

You're not too huge of a first blood threat but you'll be able to lane forever if you get hits off with Hiten Style's passive for some easy heals.

Your committing combo will be Q, W, (hit a few times), E, (hit as much as possible), repeat. Exhaust should be able to get you a kill on an overextender.

Midgame you should try and roam with your slow and assassin-like Q gap-closer.

Late game you'll be an unstoppable 1v1 force, no one will be able to withstand an engagement if you catch them with enough time to lay down some good hits. With your Mallet they won't escape and your true + AD will shred through anyone.

Be careful in teamfights, you're a highly focused target due to your jump mechanic.
If you have Akali, play like you would her. Pick on low, squishy carries and try and get as many kills as you can by pouncing on good opportunities (literally) :P

Summoner spells are left up to you, but I prefer standard melee Ghost + Exhaust.

Another very viable choice of course is Flash Exhaust. Up to you.

In summary, this is my first build, it's how I've been building Irelia after countless games of trial and error, and I find it to be very effective. Suggestions and comments are very highly welcomed.

This build is a work in progress and welcomes suggestions/additions for particular areas of interest, e.g. Runes/Masteries/etc. (I decided to keep them short because they're pretty self explanatory, but I can elaborate if needed)

Please try this out and get used to the play style before you vote! :) Thanks for taking the time to read my Irelia guide, good luck!