This is my way of playing Irelia, which I think is the best way. I've learned alot of my Irelia knowledge by Wickd, but I'm not copying what he's doing.

PROS:
- Great for eating CC (Like ashe arrow)
- High damage even though she's build very tanky.
- Will dominate toplane versus ALOT of champs, if played correctly.
- Good sustain.

CONS:
- Early game is not that great
- Can be shut down pretty hard by ranged.

For runes I use a pretty basic rune page for bruisers. Which is set to give me a big boost early game in the lane.

REDS: Armor pen reds are really strong here, and I can't see any other choice which being reasonable.

YELLOW: Armor seals are very useful for being a little more tanky, and make you able to take that little bit of extra damage. Dodge seals are also good on Irelia, anyhow I prefer the armor ones because then my life don't depend on luck.

BLUE: MR glyphs are usefull both in lane and lategame, if you meet an ap top and don't have this babys, I'd say you have to rush some mr, because this is what shuts down Irelia.