Auxetic structures have gained significant attention due to their distinctive mechanical properties, such as a negative Poisson’s ratio and remarkable energy absorption capabilities. These characteristics make them particularly beneficial for a range of engineering applications, including impact protection systems and biomedical implants. However, to fully unlock their potential, auxetic structures require further optimization to enhance their mechanical performance and energy absorption efficiency. In this study, we introduce novel auxetic structures developed through modifications to the traditional re-entrant unit cell [1]. The primary aim of these designs is to greatly improve energy absorption while maintaining the core auxetic properties. The structures are printed using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Compression tests are conducted to evaluate their mechanical behavior, providing valuable insights into their structural response and deformation mechanisms. Alongside the experimental work, numerical simulations are carried out using an in-house finite element model to validate and refine our understanding of the mechanical behavior of the proposed designs. These models incorporate hyperelastic material properties with rate-independent plasticity, calibrated using experimental uniaxial tensile test data. Large deformation analyses are performed using multi-field displacement-pressure elements, and a contact domain method is applied to capture self-contact effects and interactions between the structure and supporting plates [2]. The numerical models are calibrated and validated with experimental data. The results highlight the significant potential of our newly developed auxetic structures as a next-generation solution for applications demanding high energy absorption.