Akshan Guide

Tips for Playing Against Akshan

-Play safe early. If you don't fall behind levels 1-5 you'll probably win! He does a lot of flat damage, and his ult does damage based on percent missing health, which isn't the biggest deal.
-If you do get on him, try to stick right on top of him so he can't grappling hook away! If he collides with you it'll stop his grapple and he'll be vulnerable!
-In the case you and an ally are both low, and he's ulting you, eat your ally and then spit them out in front of you, and they'll have a shield!

Plated Tabi Ninja Steelcap Boot

Tabi is a fine choice when behind! I don't like every going this item, but if I die early to Akshan I might consider it.
Doran's ring

I haven't tried this yet, but I imagine it's the same deal as Vayne, where you can just max range Q minions (or Q enemy champ for HP) and not run out of mana, playing super safe early. Counter-intuitive, I know.
Iceborn Gauntlet

Iceborn and Dead Man's are both fine options, but when I'm ahead I like to go Heartsteel. Iceborn will make it even harder for him to escape though, so if it's good elsewhere on the map it might be worth building!